NEWARK, NJ — In a unanimous vote, the NJ Transit board of directors appointed William Crosbie as the new executive director of NJ Transit during a special meeting on Wednesday, April 6. The appointment is effective on or about Monday, April 25.
Crosbie succeeds Dennis J. Martin, who has served as the agency’s interim executive director since December 2015. Martin will resume his previous position as vice president/general manager of NJ Transit’s Bus Operations Division.
“I would like to thank Gov. (Chris) Christie and the NJ Transit board of directors for this tremendous opportunity to serve the more than 900,000 people who utilize the New Jersey Transit system each year,” said Crosbie. “I am anxious to roll up my sleeves and stand shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of NJ Transit to address the service, safety, equipment and facility needs of our customers and our infrastructure.”
Prior to Crosbie’s appointment, he served as president and chief executive officer, as well as regional director, for North America for SYSTRA USA, an international transportation engineering consulting firm. During his tenure, he was responsible for leading day-to-day operations, as well as the strategic development of the firm.
In addition to serving as vice president of Railroad Programs for the Parsons Corporation, Crosbie spent more than seven years as the chief operating officer of Amtrak, where he directed the transportation, engineering or infrastructure, mechanical or rolling stock, police and security, environmental, health and safety functions.
“Bill Crosbie brings a depth of background in operations, transportation, engineering, finance, and security to New Jersey Transit that is perfectly suited to address the needs facing the agency at this important time,” said acting Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit board Chairman Richard T. Hammer.
Crosbie is a transportation security expert and professional engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the transportation field. He is a regular guest lecturer at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School on intelligence analysis, cyber security and infrastructure protection. He has served on numerous boards, including the boards of directors for Washington Union Station Redevelopment Corporation and Chicago Union Station.
Crosbie has a master’s degree in security studies from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and an honors bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.