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Kris Kolluri gets expanded New Jersey transit role
He had earlier served as the New Jersey Transportation Commissioner from 2006 to 2008, during which he chaired the boards of NJ Transit and the Turnpike Authority.
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Anushka Pathak - Tue, 27, Jan 2026
- 16:21 EST
- 22
Krish Kolluri / Courtesy: LinkedIn
Indian-American transportation leader Kris Kolluri will continue to helm NJ Transit as president and CEO, even as he takes on an expanded role in New Jersey’s transportation leadership.
Newly elected Governor Mikie Sherrill earlier this month nominated Kolluri to serve as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, effective upon her inauguration.
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In the expanded role, Kolluri will oversee operations at both agencies, a move aimed at improving coordination across New Jersey’s transportation systems as the state prepares for major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Announcing the decision, Sherrill said, "He brings decades of experience with every major transit agency in the region, and his leadership will be key as we rethink the future of transportation in New Jersey to improve commutes."
Kolluri welcomed the expanded role, saying, “I am excited to lead both NJ Transit and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority alongside Governor Sherrill, who shares a desire to innovate and improve New Jersey’s transit systems.”
"Overseeing both agencies, particularly for a major security event like the World Cup, I’ll be able to ensure that we eliminate silos and are working in lockstep to provide better service to the people of New Jersey and those visiting our state,” he added.
Support for the appointment also came from Fran O’Connor, who acknowledged outgoing Turnpike Authority Executive Director Jim Carone for more than four decades of service. O’Connor said the upcoming World Cup requires streamlined oversight and described Kolluri as a leader with “decades of experience” capable of making real-time decisions while safeguarding public safety.
Kolluri’s career includes serving as New Jersey Transportation Commissioner from 2006 to 2008, during which he chaired the boards of NJ Transit and the Turnpike Authority. He later led the Gateway Development Commission on the Hudson Tunnel Project and has held senior leadership roles across state agencies, community development bodies, and higher education governance.
He holds degrees from Rutgers University and Georgetown University Law Center and previously worked on Capitol Hill, including as a senior policy advisor on India and Indian-American affairs.
NJ Transit operates the largest statewide public transportation system in the United States, handling more than 944,000 weekday trips through bus, rail, light rail, and paratransit services, supported by a workforce of over 11,000 employees.
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