County Executive Odell Names Zuckerman as Putnam County Representative to the MTA Board

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell has named Neal Zuckerman of Garrison to represent Putnam County on the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Zuckerman has served on the Metro North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC) in the Putnam County seat since 2010; he has also served on the MTA board in a non-voting capacity as the MNRCC's representative since 2014. 

Zuckerman is a partner and managing director of The Boston Consulting Group, where he advises major corporations on business strategy, growth and operations.  He specializes in providing advice to companies transforming their businesses in the digital era.

"I am thrilled to have Neal Zuckerman represent the county on the MTA Board, especially since we have already worked together on a range of MTA issues” said Odell.  “His business experience and career as a U.S. Army aviation officer, where he dealt extensively with safe flying operations, make him a great choice for this position. I have no doubt that Neal will continue to watch closely over, and advocate vigorously for, the needs of the county, our commuters, and our communities, for which transit is paramount.”

"It’s a great privilege to serve Putnam County on the MTA Board," said Zuckerman.  "The needs of our riders are three-fold:  (1) safety, above all else; (2) reliable, professional service, which MTA employees deliver every day; and (3) value—the price has to be justified by the service.  As a commuter, as well as board member, I will advocate strongly for these needs."

Zuckerman succeeds Robert Bickford of Cold Spring, who served for nine years on the MTA Board.  "Bob has been an extraordinary representative for Putnam County on the MTA board, and I am pleased that he will continue to serve as our county's Ethics Committee chair," said Odell. "We are fortunate to have had his service, and will continue to look to him for counsel." 

Zuckerman, his wife and two children reside in Garrison (the station from which he commutes).  He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Harvard Business School.  He is a member of the Philipstown Planning Board and the not-for-profit boards of the Putnam History Museum and the Desmond-Fish Library.