New York City Transit announces leadership appointments

Four appointments were announced by New York City Transit (NYCT) President Richard Davey to the agency's leadership team.

“I am thrilled to add this strong and impressive group of professionals to the leadership of NYC Transit,” Davey said. “Their diverse experiences, knowledge and skills will be instrumental in ensuring we deliver better, reliable, efficient service and put our customers first. I have confidence in their abilities to help bring back riders and drive New York’s economic recovery.”

Frank Annicaro, Senior Vice President of NYCT buses

Frank Annicaro has served as acting head of buses since August 2021. Prior to his current position, Annicaro was chief maintenance officer for buses and was accountable for maintaining the entire 5,800 bus fleet, managing multiple new bus procurement contracts and warranties, developing bus fleet plans, and focusing on the critical transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040.

“I am humbled and excited for this opportunity to lead buses,” Annicaro said. “I have spent the majority of my career working to improve bus operations and am excited to continue the work to make sure New Yorkers have the world class bus service they deserve.”

Annicaro has more than 30 years of experience in transportation, the last 19 in buses, and prior to that, he spent 14 years in the private sector specializing in providing logistic services and solutions to various transportation-based companies. Annicaro earned an executive leadership certificate from Cornell University and holds several technical and professional certifications.

Jacqueline Halldow, Chief of Staff

Jacqueline Halldow has dedicated the bulk of her career to public transit. Skilled at working effectively with team members to achieve measurable results, Halldow has enjoyed being part of teams that have made improvements in customer experiences. Prior to joining NYCT, she served as chief communications and marketing officer for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. From 2010-2018, Halldow served as the chief of staff for New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit).

During her tenure at NJ Transit, Halldow developed and oversaw the implementation of NJ Transit’s long and short-range agency-wide performance measurement program and related metrics ‘Scorecard’ to clearly communicate to the board, management, employees and customers the value and efficiency in the delivery of services and amenities. These metrics set corporate-wide standards of accountability, helping NJ T make strategic decisions to maximize its resources and improve the customer experience.

Brittany Montgomery, Senior Advisor for Special Projects & Initiatives

Brittany Montgomery joins NYCT from BCG where she supported public sector clients in strategy and procurement. Montgomery also wrote a book on governance in family-owned businesses. She has a deep background in urban planning and transportation, previously serving as an advisor to the secretary of mobility in Bogotá, Colombia.

As a consultant, Montgomery has supported government officials in Latin America, China and the U.S. in strategic planning and governance as well as urban transportation system design, implementation and operations. Montgomery wrote her doctoral dissertation on the long-term effects of policies related to anti-corruption, contracting out and participation on organizational behavior and infrastructure implementation.

Jake Luce, Senior Advisor for Special Projects & Initiatives

Jake Luce has a long track record serving New York City government. Most recently, Luce was a partner at BCG where he served government agencies in the New York metropolitan area on issues ranging from infrastructure to economic development. Before that, Luce served for seven years at the city of New York with positions including assistant director at the Mayor's Office of Contract Services, chief of staff for the Hurricane Sandy Housing Recovery Office and senior advisor at the Office of Management and Budget.

The appointments of Annicaro, Halldow and Montgomery are effective immediately. The appointment of Luce will be effective July 18.