Demetrius Crichlow named interim president of New York City Transit
Demetrius Crichlow, who has served as senior vice president of New York City (NYC) Transit Department of Subways, has been named interim president of NYC Transit by Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.
The move to lead NYC Transit on an interim basis will be effective June 14 and follows the resignation of Rich Davey, who is leaving the transit agency to take the CEO position at Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport).
“I am thrilled to continue improving the experience of 1.3 billion annual subway, bus and paratransit customers,” Crichlow said. “As a third-generation MTA career professional, I am passionate about how public transportation can improve the lives of millions of people in New York City. We at New York City Transit will keep furthering our efforts to enhance service, safety, and accessibility.”
MTA credits Crichlow, a lifelong New York resident, with leading the Department of Subways during a time when the agency was focused on service improvements and better customer experiences. MTA says NYC Transit has experienced a 67 percent increase in ridership since July 2021 and maintained the best on-time performance in the past decade.
Crichlow began his career at MTA with the Long Island Rail Road in 1997 before transferring to MTA headquarters, where he served then-Executive Director Elliot G. Sander as special assistant for operations. He is also a third-generation NYC Transit employee, with both his father and grandfather working for the transit service.
“Demetrius is a long-time leader at New York City Transit who has ensured subway system performance remains at record levels, even as we dramatically increased service beginning last summer,” Lieber said. “I have confidence that he will be able to build on the successes he’s helped to achieve.”
Davy’s move to Massport
Davy came to NYC Transit in May 2022, having previously served as general manager for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and as secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Davey was one of two finalists for the CEO position named by Massport in mid-May. On May 29, the Massport Board of Directors approved an offer to Davey that will see him begin a five-year contract at the agency no later than Sept. 9. Massport owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport.
“Davey’s vast transportation experience makes him an ideal candidate for the position to lead the authority,” said Massport Board Chairwoman Patricia Jacobs. “We are thrilled to be bringing someone on board with so much experience leading large and complex organizations. Davey will be building upon a solid foundation. The senior leadership team has kept the authority in good standing, with strong bond ratings and growth across the three business lines, as well as strategic investments to reduce emissions, attract more business, improve the customer experience, while being a good neighbor.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
