Transportation for Massachusetts, a statewide coalition that supports a modern, statewide transportation network, today announced that Kristina Egan, who has served as executive director since 2011, will be leaving the organization, following her appointment as the Executive Director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, effective July 17, 2016.
Kristina has served as Director of the Transportation for Massachusetts coalition for five years, as it won new funding and reforms for transportation, and grew to include 58 member organizations from all across the state. Previously, she was project manager for South Coast Rail at MassDOT and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance.
“We are pleased for Kristina, who has been a respected and effective leader,” said Nancy Goodman, Chair of T4MA. “With credit to her determination, drive and enthusiasm, the Commonwealth has taken important steps towards a transportation system that is sustainable, equitable and built to last. We will miss her dedicated leadership and wish her all the best in this new endeavor.”
“Massachusetts is closer to a true statewide vision for mobility because of Kristina’s inclusive approach,” added Tim Brennan, Executive Director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and a member of the T4MA Executive Committee.
Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack said “I have known Kristina Egan for many years, and have the highest regard for the work she has done to benefit the people of Massachusetts. She is a world-class convener who has brought together social justice advocates, business leaders, politicians, and institutional executives so that members of the public can have better transportation choices. I am pleased that her next opportunity will be a role with a regional planning agency because it will be in keeping with her passion to incorporate smart planning with a focus on social equity and economic opportunities.”
In recent years, the T4MA coalition has contributed to many successes related to transportation in the state, including new funding for Regional Transit Authorities and the MBTA in 2012; new statewide transportation revenue and policy in 2013; formation of a new Project Selection Advisory Council to advance climate, health, social equity and economic values in evaluating transportation projects; and the establishment of (and securing funding for) a statewide Complete Streets program for municipalities.
According to Executive Committee member Jesse Mermell of the Alliance for Business Leadership, the T4MA coalition will start a search in the coming weeks to recruit a new Director. “We look forward to drawing from a diverse and skilled talent pool as we consider the challenges and opportunities to reimagine and rebuild our transportation network to be worthy of our commonwealth.”