People on the move: MTA, CAT

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) have made changes to their respective leadership teams. 

MTA names new chief of Police Department 

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber has appointed Thomas J. Taffe as chief of the MTA Police Department (MTAPD). Taffe, who had served as acting chief of the MTAPD for four months, brings 30 years of law enforcement experience, including more than two years as the MTAPD chief of operations. He will oversee the more than 1,400-member MTAPD that is responsible for patrolling and securing the MTA’s operating region.   

“With his 30 years of law enforcement experience, including an exceptionally strong background in strategic management, I have no doubt Tom Taffe is the right person to steer the MTAPD,” Lieber said. “Customers can ride with confidence knowing there’s top-notch, capable leadership in place at all levels in the department.”   

“The work of the MTA Police Department to create a safe and secure environment for riders has never been more important,” said MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper. “I’m thrilled to have Tom Taffe onboard, who I know along with the impressive men and woman promoted today and their fellow officers will continue to serve riders with courage, honesty and perseverance.”   

Taffe joined the MTAPD after serving more than 27 years in the New York City Police Department (NYPD). In his most recent role as the MTAPD chief of operations, he ensured the department adhered to the mission of the MTA through strategic management of operations. During this time, Taffe managed MTAPD’s development of new patrols to work alongside NYPD at subway stations adjacent to MTA terminals and patrols at MTA bridges and tunnels. He also developed plans to establish the department’s first police academy.  

Taffe began his law enforcement career with the NYPD after graduating from the NYPD Police Academy as the 1996 valedictorian. As an NYPD officer and supervisor, he served in various patrol commands in the Bronx and Manhattan and also served several years as a supervising instructor and training evaluator at the NYPD Police Academy. He was later promoted to deputy chief in 2018 while working in the Office of the Police Commissioner. Before joining the MTAPD, he served as the commanding officer of the NYPD Management and Budget Bureau.   

“It’s an honor to lead the MTA Police Department and I look forward to continuing to serve the millions of New Yorkers who rely on this department to keep the transportation system safe,” Taffe said. “Congratulations to the men and women who received their hard-earned promotions today, and together, we’ll continue to uphold MTAPD’s values of excellence in leadership, integrity and professionalism.”   

Born and raised in the Bronx, Taffe currently lives in Westchester County, N.Y., with his wife and two daughters. He holds a bachelor’s degree in police science with a minor in sociology and a master’s degree in economic crime management and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar Trilogy Program and the Columbia University Business School, Police Management Institute.    

Taffe was promoted along with 25 other members of the MTAPD. Three members were promoted to captain, one to detective sergeant, 17 members were promoted to sergeant and three to detective, and one civilian was promoted to emergency communications supervisor. 

CAT begins search for new executive director and CEO 

The CAT Board has entered into an agreement with Colin Baenziger & Associates to lead the recruitment process for its next executive director/CEO. 

“This is a pivotal moment for CAT as we look toward the future,” said CAT Board Chair Deidrick Cody. “Partnering with Colin Baenziger & Associates ensures we are casting a wide net and seeking out the best possible leadership to guide our organization into its next chapter. We’re excited to find a visionary leader who will continue to build upon CAT’s mission of providing safe, reliable and accessible public transportation in Chatham County.”