New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the death of Susan Kupferman, senior advisor to the chairman, who passed away following a long illness.

“The MTA has lost a true professional in our industry, and her wisdom and counsel will be sorely missed,” said MTA Chairman/CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. “Susan brought to the MTA not just her expertise in mass transit, which was substantial, but a clear understanding of the political and social environments in which we operate, making her an invaluable advisor on many different policy issues.”

At various times in her career, Kupferman served the MTA as deputy executive director for policy, planning and capital programs; chief operating officer; member of the MTA board; president of MTA, bridges and tunnels; and senior advisor to the chairman.

In additional to her service at the MTA, Kupferman enjoyed a long career in state government as director of the Department of Strategic Planning and External Affairs at the New York State Thruway Authority and assistant secretary to the governor for transportation. She also held positions at the New York State Legislature and the state Department of Transportation.

While serving as a member of the MTA Board, Kupferman was director of the New York City Mayor's Office of Operations, where she oversaw the management of city governmental operations.