Kris Kolluri, currently president and CEO of NJ TRANSIT, will continue in his role while also being nominated as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), according to an announcement from Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. Kolluri will receive a $1 salary from the Turnpike Authority.
Governor-elect Sherrill said, “We need a collaborative and creative approach when it comes to addressing challenges and opportunities affecting our state, which is especially true as we update New Jersey’s approach to transit. That’s why I am excited to announce that Kris Kolluri will not only be continuing in his role as president and CEO of NJ TRANSIT but will also be nominated to be the executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. 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, improve coordination, and make sure New Jerseyans spend more time with family and friends, and less time stuck on a train or on the turnpike. Additionally, as we prepare to welcome tens of thousands of people when we host the FIFA World Cup, Kris will ensure safety and efficiency as we move people on our buses, trains, and highways.”
Kolluri commented on his dual appointment: “I am excited to lead both NJ TRANSIT and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority alongside Gov.-elect Sherrill, who shares a desire to innovate and improve New Jersey’s transit systems. New Jersey’s success relies on the Turnpike and NJ TRANSIT working together and by 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. Gov.-elect Sherrill has been laser-focused on improving New Jersey’s transit systems since her time in Congress, and I know that her administration will share that same focus, for the World Cup and beyond.”
Fran O’Connor, commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Transit, acknowledged outgoing NJTA leader Jim Carone: “First, I want to thank Jim Carone for his over 40 years of service to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. His work has been critical in improving highway safety across the state and will benefit generations of New Jerseyans to come. And with an event as large as the World Cup coming to our state, New Jersey needs a strong leader who can streamline oversight and communication as tens of thousands of people use our bus, rail, and highway systems. Gov.-elect Sherrill has made exactly the right choice in appointing Kris Kolluri to do just that. Kris brings decades of experience and will be able to continue to prepare our state for the World Cup but make real-time decisions to ensure our transit systems are working efficiently while protecting public safety.”
Kolluri was appointed head of NJ TRANSIT effective January 16, 2025. The agency operates statewide public transportation services through over 11,000 employees providing nearly one million weekday trips via extensive bus routes, light rail lines, commuter rail lines, and paratransit services.
Previously he led several major organizations including serving as CEO at Gateway Development Commission where he oversaw progress on significant infrastructure projects such as managing federal investment into mass transit initiatives like construction under Hudson River tunnels.
His career includes leadership roles at Camden Community Partnership Inc., Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors; CEO position at New Jersey Schools Development Authority; commissioner posts at various transportation authorities; policy advisory work for Congress; academic appointments; board memberships; degrees from Rutgers University (B.S.) and Georgetown University (J.D.).
