Sherrill taps Priya Jain for NJ DOT, expands leadership under Kolluri
Governor-elect names transportation commissioner nominee, outlines unified transit strategy
Trenton, NJ – Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced a major leadership move for New Jersey’s transportation system, nominating Priya Jain to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Transportation while expanding oversight of key transit agencies under current NJ TRANSIT head Kris Kolluri.
Jain, a civil engineer and business executive with experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects, is expected to play a central role in advancing statewide transportation priorities. Those include reducing commute times, improving road safety, and accelerating major infrastructure efforts ahead of global events such as the FIFA World Cup.
“I am thrilled to announce Priya Jain as my nominee for Commissioner of the Department of Transportation,” said Governor-elect Sherrill. “With Priya at the helm and Kris Kolluri overseeing both the Turnpike Authority and NJ TRANSIT, we are going to reimagine and streamline how transit is run in the state of New Jersey.”
Leadership changes aim to unify transit strategy
The announcement comes as Sherrill moves to align oversight of multiple transportation systems. Kolluri will continue as President and CEO of NJ TRANSIT while also serving as Executive Director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, a dual role intended to improve coordination across agencies.
Key Points
- Priya Jain nominated as New Jersey Department of Transportation commissioner
- Kris Kolluri to oversee both NJ TRANSIT and Turnpike Authority
- Plan focuses on reducing delays, improving infrastructure, and streamlining transit
Jain emphasized a focus on efficiency and infrastructure improvements if confirmed.
“I am honored to be nominated as the next Commissioner of the Department of Transportation,” Jain said. “We will cut through red tape and permitting delays in order to finish what we started and build the Gateway Tunnel, expand transit access in South Jersey, and repair aging roads across the state.”
Kolluri also highlighted coordination between agencies as a priority.
“New Jersey’s success relies on the Turnpike and NJ TRANSIT working together,” Kolluri said. “By overseeing both agencies… I’ll be able to ensure that we eliminate silos and are working in lockstep to provide better service.”
Focus on major projects and global events
State officials pointed to several major initiatives tied to the leadership changes, including the Gateway Tunnel project, expanded bus service, and infrastructure upgrades across aging roadways and bridges.
“Together, we’ll seek to reduce delays, improve communication with riders, fix aging roads and bridges, and speed permitting times to get new projects underway quickly,” Kolluri said.
Jain brings experience from leadership roles at Mace Consult, Atlas, Atkins, and CH2M, along with early work on the ARC Tunnel project. Officials said her background in engineering, strategy, and program delivery will be key as the state prepares for increased transit demand tied to upcoming international events.
