Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill moved to remake New Jersey’s transportation leadership on Tuesday, announcing that New Jersey Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri will not only remain in his current post but will also be nominated to serve as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
The unprecedented dual role places Kolluri at the helm of both agencies responsible for the state’s most heavily-used buses, trains, and highways. Sherrill said the structure is designed to unify strategy, break down long-standing silos, and dramatically improve the daily commute for millions of New Jersey residents. Kolluri will take a salary of just $1 from the Turnpike Authority, despite the added responsibilities.
“We need a collaborative and creative approach when it comes to addressing the challenges and opportunities affecting our state,” stated Sherrill. “Kris Kolluri brings decades of experience with every major transit agency in the region, and his leadership will be key as we rethink the future of transportation in New Jersey. We want residents spending more time with family and friends — and less time stuck on a train or on the turnpike.”
This puts Kolluri, a former state transportation governor – and briefly, the acting governor of New Jersey – in a critical role as the state prepares for tens of thousands of attendees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sherrill said that coordinating transit logistics and security is a critical component of the event.
As a candidate for governor, Sherrill made a pledge to fix New Jersey Transit one of the central themes of her campaign.
At the Turnpike Authority, Kolluri will replace Jim Carone, who is retiring after more than four decades in state government.
Kolluri said he was “excited” to lead both agencies, arguing that unified oversight will allow for real-time decision-making and seamless communication.
“New Jersey’s success relies on the Turnpike and NJ Transit working together,” Kolluri said. “For an event as large as the World Cup — and for the everyday lives of New Jerseyans — eliminating silos is essential. Governor-elect Sherrill has been laser-focused on modernizing transit since her time in Congress, and I know her administration will carry that mission forward.”
Appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this year to take over New Jersey Transit, Kolluri previously served as CEO of the Gateway Development Commission. He also led the New Jersey Schools Development Authority’s $5.3 billion school construction program, served on the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors, and was president and CEO of the Camden Community Partnership.
The current Commissioner of Transportation, Francis O’Connor, praised Sherrill’s pick.
“With an event as large as the World Cup coming to our state, New Jersey needs a strong leader who can streamline oversight and communication as tens of thousands of people use our bus, rail, and highway systems. Gov.-elect Sherrill has made exactly the right choice in appointing Kris Kolluri to do just that,” O’Connor said. “Kris brings decades of experience and will be able to continue to prepare our state for the World Cup but make real-time decisions to ensure our transit systems are working efficiently while protecting public safety.”
The state transportation commissioner also chairs the New Jersey Transit board. Some have advocated retaining O’Connor, but Sherrill has not yet made her decision.
