Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday announced Matthew Driscoll will be nominated executive director of the Thruway Authority, and Cathy Calhoun will serve as acting commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Cuomo thanked Bill Finch for his service as executive director of the Thruway Authority.
"Matthew Driscoll and Cathy Calhoun are both dedicated public servants who exemplify what it means to serve the people of New York, and I am proud they will continue their service in these new leadership positions," Cuomo said. "The Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation are critical to improving infrastructure in every corner of this state, and, as they transition to their new roles, I look forward to working alongside these experienced leaders to ensure the safety and stability of New York infrastructure for generations to come."
"I am grateful to Gov. Cuomo for his leadership on transportation issues and am honored to become executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority," said former Department of Transportation Commissioner Driscoll. "I look forward to working with the very capable men and women of the authority in implementing the governor's vision for reimagining transportation infrastructure across New York state."
Calhoun said, "Under Gov. Cuomo's leadership, the Department of Transportation has invested in historic infrastructure projects across New York to support the future strength and vitality of the entire state. I look forward to working with the governor to build on this success and continue to move New York's infrastructure forward."
Driscoll will be nominated to serve as executive director of the Thruway Authority. He previously served as commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, where he helped launch the governor's historic $100 billion, five-year plan to renew New York's aging infrastructure. Prior to that, Driscoll served as president and CEO of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., where he implemented new business models that have resulted in record-setting investments in New York's clean water infrastructure.
Driscoll has also held a number of cabinet positions in Cuomo's administration, including co-chair of the New York state storm recovery task force, member of the strategic implementation assessment team to assist in the progress of the Regional Economic Development Council, and board member of the Financial Restructuring Board, which delivers targeted restructuring solutions to assist New York municipalities under fiscal stress.
Prior to these roles, Driscoll was twice elected mayor of the City of Syracuse, where he earned Syracuse national recognition for energy conservation, sustainability initiatives and environmental protection efforts. He also instituted a performance-based accountability program for city government, called SyraStat, which saved millions of dollars for city taxpayers.
The Thruway board of directors will meet to name Driscoll acting executive director. He will be nominated for official Senate confirmation in January 2018.
Calhoun will serve as acting commissioner of the Department of Transportation, to continue New York's landmark plan to invest $100 billion in the modernization of aging infrastructure across the state. In this role, Calhoun will lead the governor's $100 billion, five-year infrastructure plan to help reduce congestion and air pollution, and improve the safety of motorists on New York roads.
Previously, Calhoun served as chief of staff at the Department of Transportation. She formerly served as a Central New York representative for former U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton. Calhoun also previously worked for former Gov. David Paterson in intergovernmental affairs.
