Joseph Lhota joins MTA as executive director

Joseph J. Lhota has started his job as executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the public transportation agency said Monday.

In a news release, the MTA said Lhota, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's pick as chairman and chief executive, takes over the day-to-day operations, pending Senate confirmation of Lhota's nomination.

Until Senate approval, the MTA said Andrew Saul will fulfill the duties of the chairman. The Senate is in recess and not scheduled to resume until January.

Lhota replaces Jay Walder, who recently resigned.

"The MTA is the engine that drives our economy and makes our way of life possible here in New York, and we have a responsibility to operate our service as efficiently and effectively as possible," Lhota said in the release. "The MTA is facing a number of difficult fiscal and operating challenges, funding our vital capital program and continuing to improve service in tough economic times. My focus in the next couple of months is understanding this organization from top to bottom, and listening to our employees, customers, and community leaders as we work together to shape an agenda and improve this vital service for all New Yorkers."

Lhota was New York City deputy mayor for operations under Rudy Giuliani, "where he oversaw day-to-day management of the city and supervised city agencies," the release said.

He also was the city's budget director, where he managed a $36-billion operating budget and $45-billion capital budget, the MTA said.

He also has served as the commissioner of finance for New York City and has been an MTA board member.

The MTA also announced management changes as Lhota assembles his leadership team.

Nuria Fernandez will be chief operating officer, joining the MTA with experience at the top levels of transportation agencies, including as Chicago aviation commissioner and deputy administrator at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Catherine Rinaldi, a former MTA general counsel, will be chief of staff, leaving her position as LIRR general counsel.

Charlie Monheim is director of strategic initiatives, focusing on guiding the MTA's technology projects, reducing operating expenses and overseeing labor relations.

Also, as part of this reorganization, the position of managing director has been eliminated, the MTA said.

With Alfonso A. Castillo