Power Players in Transportation

Richard Davis started as a bus operator in Manhattan in 1985 and worked his way up to vice president of MaBSTOA, then to secretary-treasurer, and finally president of the largest transportation union in America representing 45,000 transit workers, mostly with the MTA. He has worked to raise the profile of women within the union, to enhance safety for the workforce, and to train a new generation to take on the challenges of the 21st Century.

Bhairavi Desai is executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance which represents 15,000 taxi drivers throughout New York City. Ms. Desai has remained at the forefront of the organizations since its founding, leading protests and strikes advocating for the rights of drivers.   In 2011, Ms. Desai formed the National Taxi Workers Alliance which joined the AFL-CIO. Ms. Desai earned her degree in women’s studies from Rutgers University.

David Do has been commissioner and chair of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission since May 19, 2022. Do has spearheaded driver-pay raises and helped secure millions in relief to taxi medallion owners, among other key policies. Previously, he served as the director of the Washington, D.C. Department of For-Hire Vehicles. Do has a B.A. in economics from the University of California, Merced and an M.A. in urban planning from the University of Maryland.

Why did you pursue a career in transportation?
My focus has always been on equity and access. A majority of taxi drivers in NYC are immigrants, with many coming from developing countries. The industry still provides a path to the middle class and a more prosperous future in the United States. As the son of immigrant parents who came to the US from Vietnam in the early 1980s after the war, my goal has been serving people who need it most.

What is your favorite travel experience?
Since getting my TLC license, being behind the wheel and picking up passengers has been a wonderful experience that helps me understand what licensees face every day. Whether driving a yellow cab or a for-hire vehicle, being in their shoes helps me guide agency policy and direction to ensure drivers are heard, and that passengers know we are trying to give them the best for-hire travel experience in the world.

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?
We are excited about our Green Rides Initiative, a first-in-nation set of rules that will transition the TLC’s high-volume rideshare (Uber & Lyft) trips to be either zero-emission or wheelchair-accessible vehicles by 2030. It will be a catalyst for EV infrastructure and produce cleaner air for the public, put predatory brokers out of business, and put more money in drivers’ pockets.

What is your preferred method of transportation?
When I’m not in the back of a TLC vehicle, my favorite way to get around is the subway. When I’m driving a TLC vehicle, like a cab, rideshare, or community car service, I’m having fun because I’m not allowed to charge — so I get to surprise people with free rides. The chances of me picking you up are probably around 1 in 6 million, but I hope to see you out there.

Chad leads Uber’s US City Operations team, which is responsible for tailoring the strategy and operations for Uber’s Mobility business given the local nuances that exist in each town, city, and state. He started at Uber over a decade ago, and has been a part of its impressive growth story through launching new markets and products, developing the operational strategy for meeting complex regulatory requirements, and enhancing the driver and rider experiences on the platform.

Marie Therese Dominguez was unanimously confirmed as New York State Transportation Commissioner on June 20, 2019. She has worked in the transportation, water and energy infrastructure, safety and logistics sectors for more than 25 years, having served in numerous executive leadership positions within the Federal government and private sector. As commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) she leads DOT’s team of 8,520 professionals responsible for planning, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining and renewing the statewide transportation systems.

Mike Elmendorf was named president and CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS), New York’s leading construction industry association, in February 2011. AGC NYS is the leading voice of the building and heavy highway construction industry, representing contractors and related companies dedicated to the ideals of skill, integrity and responsibility.

Mike Finley is CEO of Boingo Wireless, a 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity leader, and serves on the company’s board of directors. He’s responsible for the company’s strategic direction and leading the business through the complex 5G era. He currently serves on the board of the CTIA and the New York metropolitan area’s Regional Plan Association, as well as the Creighton University Board of Trustees.

Why did you pursue a career in transportation?
I was lucky to start as one of the first telecommunications agents in the mid-80s, hoping people would adopt mobile communications in their cars. Turns out they did, and car phones were only the beginning. My career spans decades, leading the adoption of 3G and 4G technologies, and now 5G at major airports and transportation hubs right here in the tri-state region. I have a strong belief in the power of technology to improve lives.

What is your favorite travel experience?
My favorite travel experience is a connected experience. I want the trip to be efficient, by utilizing maps, finding an Uber/Lyft, and having a mobile ticket or the TrainTime app right on my phone. The best travel experience comes with real-time status updates and connectivity throughout the journey to limit downtime. Whether traveling for business or leisure, it’s all about a seamless, safe, connected experience.

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?
Improving digital infrastructure is essential for the future of transportation. When we improve digital infrastructure, we open the door for economic growth, enhanced public services and safety measures, sustainable infrastructure, and a higher quality of life. Boingo plays a pivotal role in delivering infrastructure enhancements. We design, build and manage wireless networks that improve the efficiency and safety of airports and transit operations with tools like advanced security cameras, digital signage and mobile ticket readers.

What is your preferred method of transportation?
Travel is a big part of my day-to-day life and I’m grateful for all modes — from trains to planes. The city and state’s recent infrastructure modernization projects like Grand Central Madison and LaGuardia Terminal B have transformed travel and Boingo is proud to be part of these, delivering converged cellular and Wi-Fi networks for a better passenger experience.

Fleischer has delivered successful public policy outcomes for public agencies and private firms during his 30-year transportation career. He served as executive director of the State Thruway where he led a capital program funding initiative. Fleischer also worked at the Department of Transportation including serving as first deputy commissioner, where he was directly responsible for the development and implementation of the Department’s highway and bridge program and budget, including funding for aviation, rail, ferry and transit programs.

Why did you pursue a career in transportation?
Somewhat happenstance. I was working for State Senator John B. Daly when he was selected as Governor Pataki’s first transportation commissioner. I began my career at State DOT as the head of the communications office and then added government relations and then was appointed as first deputy commissioner and in 2003 was appointed executive director of the NYS Thruway Authority.

What is your favorite travel experience?
About 20 years ago my wife and I traveled to Disney World while four of our five children were still in car seats. They were all well-behaved but the looks on the faces of our fellow travelers ranged from amazement to sheer horror as we boarded.

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?
I am interested to see the development of autonomous vehicles and how that technology impacts roadway safety (pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle occupants), the environment, commercial shipping, traveler mode choice as well as land-use planning and development.

What is your preferred method of transportation?
While my leadership roles have been at what would be considered highway-focused agencies, my favorite travel experience would be the Amtrak train from Albany to New York City due to its convenience, reliability and ability to work or rest during the trip.

James “Jim” F. Gennaro is a Democratic member of the New York City Council, where he represents the 24th Council District and chairs the Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency & Waterfronts. Gennaro served his first terms from 2002 to 2013. Since his return to the City Council in 2021, Gennaro has continued to be the guiding hand of environmental policy in New York City.

Mr. Goldstein is the executive director of The Black Car Fund, a not-for-profit organization responsible for providing full workers’ compensation benefits, and several additional health and wellness benefits, to nearly 100,000 for-hire vehicle drivers throughout New York. Ira has received numerous honors throughout his career including NYC’s Demonstrated Excellence in Project Management Award, for his pivotal role in the conception, creation and implementation of the TLC’s Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Project. Recently, he received an Above & Beyond Innovators Award and was recognized by the Simon Wiesenthal Center as a Hero For Tolerance. 

Why did you pursue a career in transportation?
My work in the TLC helped me to understand and appreciate the critical role that ground transportation plays in our city. It also led me to empathize with the drivers who work in this industry and I knew that my role in The Black Car Fund would help me to continue working to support them.  

What is your favorite travel experience?
This past year, I was able to check an item off my bucket list with an incredible tour of our country’s National Parks.  

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?  
Greater support for the drivers who are moving people through all the gaps left by public transportation. In addition to workers’ compensation, The Black Car Fund provides benefits to help drivers improve their quality of life through wellness programs, expanded health-related benefits such as dental and vision coverage and non-work accident disability coverage to make them and their families healthy New Yorkers. We’re a model for worker benefits for the nation. 

What is your preferred method of transportation? 
Black car, of course.