Power Players in Transportation

Helena Williams is a seasoned operations and infrastructure professional with long-standing experience leading multi-faceted strategic initiatives in transportation and public safety — across both the public and private sectors. She currently oversees project delivery, operational performance and community relations for JFK Terminal 6. Prior to this she served as chief deputy county executive for Nassau County, and previously held leadership roles as president of LIRR, executive director of MTA and president of Long Island Bus. 

Why did you pursue a career in transportation?
I had a strong interest in public sector service when I completed law school. I started in labor and employment law and joined the MTA, which offered both the opportunity to deliver subway, bus and train services and also developing the physical infrastructure to rebuild and expand NYC’s future mass transit network. I realized I had a knack for operations, and having done buses and trains, I’m excited to have now moved onto planes! 

What is your favorite travel experience?
My husband and I enjoy exploring new cities. We like to walk around as much as possible, try new foods, visit different museums, and see the sites.

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?
JFK airport’s redevelopment is an incredible $19 billion investment undertaken by Governor Hochul and PANYNJ Executive Director Rick Cotton. It’s a multi-year, multi-developer effort, and I look forward to the completion of our part – the new $4.2 billion, 10-gate T6 by 2028. This two-phase project will see the first gates open by 2026. I’m excited to build a state-of-the-art terminal that our international guests will love, and that all New Yorkers can be proud of. 

What is your preferred method of transportation?
Locally, I use mass transit including the LIRR and subways. For leisure travel, using JFK for a plane ride is terrific.

Michael Woloz has led government relations efforts on behalf of several clients for 25 years including the taxicab industry, car-share, e-scooters, trucking and most recently, for Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company and Verra Mobility which holds the city’s speed camera contract. Michael regularly appears on panels, discussing topics that include congestion pricing. He is the chair of the New York League of Conservation Voters, New York City Chapter.

Why did you pursue a career in transportation?
When I started in government relations, one of my first accounts was the yellow taxicab industry which was an absolute blast to work on. I loved how omnipresent taxis were and, in fact, I loved how transportation in general was integral to everything New Yorkers do. As time went on, new modes of transportation became available – car share, scooters, AVs – and these became exciting to advocate for.

What is your favorite travel experience?
I have a sweet spot for the Eurostar which connects London and Paris by high-speed rail. I first used the “Chunnel Tunnel” as a college student studying abroad, then when I was meeting my British-being wife and again with my kids and each time I’m a bit amazed at the engineering.

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?
The Gateway

What is your preferred method of transportation?
Subway

Tom Wright is president and chief executive officer of Regional Plan Association (RPA), the nation’s oldest independent metropolitan research, planning and advocacy organization. As a non-profit civic organization, RPA seeks to improve the prosperity, infrastructure, sustainability, health and quality of life of the NY-NJ-CT metropolitan region by researching, preparing long-range plans and advocating for their implementation. Tom led RPA’s landmark Fourth Regional Plan in 2017, which offered 61 recommendations to modernize the broader region.

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?
The Gateway Program is our nation’s most urgent infrastructure project and will help ensure that our region’s economy remains vibrant and competitive. Projections indicate that Trans-Hudson transit ridership on peak days will exceed pre-pandemic peaks before the Gateway Program’s Hudson Tunnel Project is projected to be completed in the mid-2030s. We must update the only passenger rail link connecting New York and New Jersey to meet this demand and keep our region moving.

What is your preferred method of transportation?
Using public transportation is a simple thing everyone in the tri-state region can do to help curb carbon emissions and reduce congestion. When we utilize public transit, we’re investing in our future. These systems rely on ridership for a significant portion of their funding, which in turn is invested in improving efficiency and expanding the system. In this way, greater ridership results in a better funded and more functional transit system for everyone to enjoy.

Candice Xie established Veo in 2017 on a mission to make clean transportation accessible to all. Xie strategically expanded the company’s US presence, building collaborative relationships with communities and ultimately making Veo the first profitable micromobility company. Veo now operates fleets of in-house designed and manufactured shared scooters and bikes in 50+ markets across North America. Candice was formerly a financial analyst at Schneider Electric and graduated with distinction in finance from Purdue University.

Why did you pursue a career in transportation?
In 2016, fellow Purdue grad Edwin Tan and I were looking for an affordable, convenient way to get around cities. Observing common struggles like parking challenges, lengthy walks between home and work, and inconsistent bus schedules, we founded Veo the following year. Veo’s first bikeshare fleet on the Purdue campus saved students time and granted them control over their transportation. The success of the bikeshare program inspired us to expand Veo nationwide.

What is your favorite travel experience?
Lately, my greatest joy comes from exploring the dynamic landscape of major cities worldwide. Discovering the intricacies of urban planning and delving into each city’s unique history is my passion. It feels like connecting with people from centuries ago, creating a beautiful blend of past and present experiences.

What transportation improvement would you like to see completed in the future?
I’m eager to see cities embrace the widespread deployment of connected, protected bike lanes. According to a recent Veo rider survey, installing protected bike lanes is the top way cities can enhance feelings of rider safety, especially for underrepresented riders such as women and older individuals. We are excited for cities like New York to keep up the good work of installing protected bike lanes so more people can experience the joy of shared mobility.

What is your preferred method of transportation?
I’m all about two-wheeled adventures! Whether it’s a bike or a scooter, there’s a unique joy in the freedom and wind therapy that two-wheeled vehicles provide. It’s great to connect with my community as I ride around town. Plus, zooming past traffic with the wind in your hair is an instant mood lifter. And of course, knowing that I am getting around sustainably makes the journey even more rewarding.