2025 Power Players in Transportation

Ira Goldstein is executive director of The Black Car Fund, providing workers’ compensation and health benefits to over 100,000 for-hire drivers in New York. He has earned honors such as NYC’s Excellence in Project Management Award for the TLC’s Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Project and recognition by City & State as an Above & Beyond Innovator, Non-Profit Trailblazer, and a four-time honoree on their Transportation Power 100 List.

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Every policymaker has constituents who have specific concerns about our city’s transportation industry. Whether it’s those living in transportation deserts, or those struggling with congestion, policymakers should take these concerns and work with their colleagues to address them. At the end of the day, policymakers need to advocate for solutions that will improve our city’s transportation industry fairly, and as a whole.

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
In 2025, my priority is ensuring that we are able to continue providing essential benefits through our Drivers Benefits program. From income protection like accident disability insurance to health benefits such as dental and vision coverage, we’ve safeguarded NY’s independent drivers at no cost to them. As we enter 2025, I urge Albany to recognize our impact on tens of thousands and allow us to continue providing this critical support for those who depend on it. 

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
Always remember that there is no shame in admitting when you need help with something or when there’s something you don’t know or understand. And never forget that it’s possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness, that is life.

Kendra Hems has been with the Trucking Association of New York (TANY) since 1999 serving as president since 2008, advocating for safety, education, workforce development, and a supportive business environment. She has held key roles, including chair of the Trucking Association Executive Council and board member of the Women in Motion Council and earned numerous accolades, including the 2024 Above & Beyond Women Award. She holds a B.A. in management science from SUNY Oswego.

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Trucking moves 90% of goods in New York and employs 1 in 29 New Yorkers, fueling our economy and ensuring access to essentials like food, medicine, and building materials. To strengthen this critical industry, policymakers can support investments in infrastructure to reduce congestion, address truck parking shortages, and modernize highways. Additionally, promoting workforce development programs will ensure a resilient supply chain, reduced costs for consumers, and a thriving, sustainable trucking industry.

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
Expanding the availability of secure and safe truck parking is a critical priority for 2025. Truck drivers often face significant challenges finding legal and safe parking. Addressing this issue through dedicated funding for parking facilities, public-private partnerships, and innovative technology solutions will improve safety on the roads, reduce congestion, and support the essential role truck drivers play in keeping goods moving across New York and beyond.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
The best advice I received from a mentor was: stay true to yourself. Along the path, there will be a lot of opinions that you will need to navigate and pressures to conform to different ideals. At the end of the day, the most important person you have to answer to is yourself.

Christian Henry is the senior vice president and general manager of the North America East Region for Cubic Transportation Systems. Christian has been a technology solution professional for over 25 years with a focus on transportation since graduating from Lafayette College with a degree in mechanical engineering. As part of Cubic’s leadership team, Christian leverages the experience he has gained in engineering and program management to drive the deployment of integrated systems while maintaining.

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Continue to look for ways in which alignment and possible integration can help make using public transportation more equitable and convenient. Programs such as fare capping for subway and bus is a true game changer for many users. If it were able to carry across additional modes of transportation or be replicated across different agencies it would remove some of the barriers that keep people from thinking about public transit as the first option.

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
Simplifying the customer experience. The advancement of contactless credit/debit payments on subways and buses has taken the challenge of carrying various agency cards and translating fare policies. Arriving in a city and being able to immediately board public transit without first visiting a vending machine not only makes the experience faster but also makes it feel more connected.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
My father was my greatest mentor. Not only did he play the important role of dad, I also worked alongside him for the first 20 years of my career. His motto, like his father’s before him, was that there was no limit to what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit. I have found this extremely helpful in maintaining emotional intelligence.

Herbst is a visionary leader and staunch advocate for transformative infrastructure. As executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, he has championed the interests of 170 heavy construction firms since 2006, advocating tirelessly at the local, state, and federal levels. Appointed by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Herbst serves on the prestigious MTA Board, shaping the future of New York’s transit systems. His bold leadership continues to drive innovation and economic growth.

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Policymakers can drive real progress in transportation by championing bold investments. A dedicated Long Island Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) would transform the region’s roads and bridges, putting local priorities front and center. Restoring the Suburban Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIPs) and boosting the DOT capital plan by $800 million would deliver benefits statewide – fixing crumbling roads, fueling economic growth, and ensuring smoother, safer commutes. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, stronger future!

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
In 2025, I hope we strike a balance. Big projects can be transformative and deserve attention – but for too long, they’ve taken the spotlight at the expense of everyday improvements. New Yorkers drive on pothole-riddled roads and cross deteriorating bridges that don’t match the pride we feel for our state. Let’s focus on the basics, ensuring safe, smooth commutes while still dreaming big when it truly counts. Progress is about more than photo ops – it’s about impact.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
The best advice I’ve received comes from the greatest teacher – God. As an ordained minister, I reflect often on His wisdom in giving us two ears and one mouth: listen twice as much as you speak. Albany lawmakers, take heed – your constituents are asking for smoother roads and sturdier bridges. It may not grab headlines like AI or new casinos, but it’s what keeps communities connected. Listening is divine; acting on it is true leadership.

Mr. Hoare was confirmed by the NY State Senate as executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority in April 2024. He served as Interim executive director from 2022 until his appointment. Mr. Hoare served as general counsel of the Authority from 2020-2022. Mr. Hoare’s legal career has included both state government service and private practice. Mr. Hoare also served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve for 28 years. 

Since 2018, Roel Huinink has been the CEO of JFKIAT – the operator of Terminal 4 at JFK Airport. He leads JFKIAT’s dedicated management team and is responsible for developing, communicating, and executing strategic and tactical plans for T4. Huinink has nearly 25 years of aviation experience, including 15 years at Royal Schiphol Group in leadership roles in the Netherlands and Sweden. He’s also served on the management board of Norwegian-based Airport Retail Group.

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Advancing sustainable efforts across the aviation industry is crucial in combatting climate change, and with the help from policymakers, there can be meaningful change. With their support, we can continue building responsible programs and practice environmental stewardship. It’s critical that companies incorporate sustainability into their mission, but also that they take action to reduce their carbon footprint. By advocating for a greener future, policymakers can contribute to the health of the environment and local communities.

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
I’m eager to see JFKIAT incorporate more innovative technologies to enhance customer experiences – in line with the Port Authority’s vision for JFK’s transformation – including AI solutions to enhance travel. As passenger traffic increases, these programs boost efficiency for our business, airline, and commercial partners. As part of T4’s redevelopment, we’ve implemented several innovative technologies, including automated bag drops and self-service kiosks, and we’ll continue to drive more initiatives forward that exceed customers’ expectations.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
The best advice I have received was from my Chair, who emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with others, with a focus on active listening, practicing open and honest communication, demonstrating mutual respect, establishing trust, and being supportive. Essentially, it’s important to prioritize genuine connections. In the aviation industry and beyond, relationships are crucial to making progress, achieving results, and elevating the people you work with.  

Patrick Hyland has been with the New York Metropolitan Trucking Association, a membership organization dedicated to promoting the best interests of the trucking industry in New York, for over a decade. Mr. Hyland currently serves as the Association’s executive director. 

Phil leads Lime’s micromobility policy strategies, community engagement initiatives and manages its partnerships with city stakeholders and decisionmakers. He ensures that Lime’s safety, equity and sustainability programming reflects the vibrant cities it serves. As Lime’s senior government relations director of the North U.S., he develops smart, collaborative and environmentally friendly mobility solutions globally. His goal is to transform the way people experience urban movement and leave future generations with a cleaner, healthier planet.

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Creating public/private partnerships that foster new technologies instead of legislating against them will help move New York into the future. In the U.S. our street designs and transit ecosystems are far behind other developed countries. We need more and not fewer transportation options. To move us into the future, policymakers should put an emphasis on infrastructure investments and embrace the complete street model that makes the car a piece of the transportation puzzle and not the star.

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
Better streetscape design and improvement projects geared toward safely and efficiently moving New Yorkers are always top of mind for me. To move NYC closer to democratizing transportation, I would like to see the completion of the City’s five borough bike infrastructure plan that would connect historically underserved communities and remake our urban landscape. Honorable mention would be the completion of the Gateway Project and the creation of the Interborough Express. 

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
My classic’s professor and soccer coach always used to say, “Aut viam inveniam aut faciam,” – “I shall either find a way or make one.” This, to me, has always symbolized the spirit of perseverance, ingenuity and a pure belief in oneself, I have taken this adage to heart in my professional and personal life. 

Meera Joshi oversees New York City’s infrastructure, public realm, and climate portfolio. She is expanding open space, reducing emissions, and protecting New Yorkers from climate change’s impacts while ensuring that the city’s infrastructure and foundational services like trash collection and drinking water are reliable. She sits on the board of the MTA. Joshi was formerly President Biden’s nominee for administrator of USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and chair and CEO of the TLC. 

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Huge changes are underway in how we get around, ranging from broad electrification to moving freight by barge, bike and ferry. The policymaker’s duty is to ensure we create right and real opportunities for these modes to become established. How? Simple, vital things –  like safe charging and storage for lithium-ion batteries, expanding electric vehicle charging to make plugging in as easy as gassing up; and providing the infrastructure so low-emissions deliveries make business sense. 

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
Newly designed open restaurants in our roadways this spring; loading and unloading hubs (aka microhubs) taking hundreds of truck trips off our roads; ferries carrying freight via our waterways and the quadrupling of our red-light camera program – a program proven to save lives.  And of course, more and more people out and about enjoying New York City’s streets, plazas and parks. 

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
On management – nip it in the bud. Don’t delay difficult decisions, they grow absent action. 
On making decisions – make them. Get the information you need to make informed decisions, but inaction isn’t an option.
On getting great things done – The process can be painful. Non-negotiables are important, as are personable persistence and very thick skin. 
On building teams – Nothing beats the power of a great team pulling in the same direction.

Sarah M. Kaufman is the executive director of the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation, driving research at the intersection of urban mobility, sustainability, and technological innovation. As an assistant clinical professor at NYU Wagner School of Public Service, she teaches Advanced Projects in Urban Planning and Smart, Sustainable Urban Planning. Kaufman also serves on the Board of Commissioners of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.

How can policymakers support the transportation industry?
Transportation is crucial to our lives, shaping job opportunities, social connections, and living choices. Policymakers must be bold in implementing strategies like pedestrianization and traffic controls, even when initially unpopular. By focusing on long-term community benefits, they can transform urban mobility and create more accessible, efficient transportation systems that serve the greater good of all residents.

Is there a transportation improvement or project that you hope to see completed in 2025?
New York should proactively explore autonomous vehicle technologies to enhance urban transportation safety. While full driverless implementation isn’t likely to work on our dense streets, incremental technology advancements, like pedestrian detection, can significantly improve street safety. By looking at deployments in cities like San Francisco and Miami, New York can develop strategic pilot programs that integrate emerging transportation technologies. Careful, measured approaches can help modernize our transportation infrastructure and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
The most effective policies aren’t just technically sound, but politically viable.