NJDOT Commissioner Francis (Fran) O’Connor was nominated to serve as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation by Governor Murphy in January 2024.

Fran returns to New Jersey State service with over 40 years of public and private sector transportation experience. He began his public service career at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as a toll collector and rose to be the Deputy Director of the NJTA’s Electronic Toll Collection Program. In that role he launched the Authority’s first electronic toll collection installation.

While in the private sector, Fran advised transportation agencies across the country on the development and execution of critical projects with a strategic focus on toll roads. In this work, Fran has overseen hundreds of employees at a time, implemented large-scale customer service centers, and engaged with regulatory entities at all levels of government.

He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in accounting from St. Peter’s University.

Chief Executive Officer of the NJEDA, Tim Sullivan oversees the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth and making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy.

During his tenure, Tim has led the NJEDA’s transformation into a comprehensive economic development organization dedicated to implementing Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey. Tim has overseen the creation of new programs that drive New Jersey’s innovation economy, strengthen emerging and historic sectors, support small businesses, and cultivate equitable community development. 

Tim is native to Bergen County and is a graduate of Georgetown University.

Commissioner Robert T. Healey, Jr.  was appointed to the Authority’s Board on December 19, 2024. Commissioner Healey serves as Chairman of Viking Group which is comprised of Viking Yacht Company, Viking Sport Cruisers and Viking Associates. He resides in Burlington County and his term expires January 9, 2029.

Commissioner Barbara Holcomb was appointed to the Authority’s Board on June 20, 2023. She is a former employee of the Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO where she was Manager of Capital Programs overseeing the Authority’s Transportation and Capital Grant Programs. During her tenure at DRPA, Commissioner Holcomb also served as a committee member and former Chair of the Regional Technical Committee for the Delaware Valley Reginal Planning Commission. Commissioner Holcomb resides in Camden County and her term expires on February 18, 2028.

Commissioner C. Robert (Bob) McDevitt was appointed to serve on the Authority’s Board on July 15, 2008. Commissioner McDevitt is served as the President of Unite Here, Local 54, located in Atlantic City, for 26 years. Mr. McDevitt currently serves as the Chairman of Unite Here’s retirement fund. He resides in Atlantic County and his term expires on January 13, 2022.

Christopher M. Milam was appointed to the Authority’s Board on July 5, 2017. Commissioner Milam is the owner of the insurance firm, The Franklin Stevens Group. Vice Chair Milam resides in Gloucester County and his term expires on May 7, 2026.

Stephen F. Dougherty, Executive Director, joined the Authority in 2010 and serves as the Executive Director. In this capacity he is responsible for the overall operation of the Atlantic City Expressway, Transportation Services and the Atlantic City International Airport. Between full and part-time personnel, the Authority boasts close to 400 employees. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Mr. Dougherty served as Chief of Staff for six years where he oversaw the coordination between the Governor’s office and the Authority, internal compliance, strategic planning and supervising the SJTA’s external legal counsel, among numerous other duties. Before joining the SJTA, Mr. Dougherty worked for the United States Congress as a Project Coordinator for U.S. Representative Robert E. Andrews (NJ 01) from 2002 to 2010.

Susan Angulo, Chief of Staff,  joined the South Jersey Transportation Authority in April 2024.  She is the Chief of Staff to Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty. Among her responsibilities are internal compliance, community outreach initiatives, government affairs, ethics, travel approvals, special projects, and strategic planning. Additionally, Susan serves as the SJTA's liaison to the Governor’s Authorities Unit, and the Lloyd Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism. Previously, Susan established a distinguished career in public service. She has served as Mayor of Cherry Hill Township, Camden County Commissioner, and Cherry Hill Councilwoman. Susan's activities in the community include serving on the Board of the South Jersey Food Bank and the Human Relations Committee. Susan earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Wilkes University and a Post Baccalaureate Degree in Cytogenetics from Thomas Jefferson University.

Dominic D’Amico, Director of Transportation Services, joined the Authority in June 2006 and serves as the Director of Transportation Services. In this capacity, he is responsible for the operation of the Authority’s Transportation Services. Prior to his appointment, Mr. D’Amico served as the General Manager of the Transportation Services Department. Mr. D’Amico graduated from the Rutgers-Camden University School of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree and received his Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Karen Coughlin, Director of Tolls,  joined the South Jersey Transportation Authority in April 2024. Ms. Coughlin serves as the Director of Tolls and is responsible for planning, development, implementation, and operations oversight of all SJTA toll collection technical and administrative facilities and functions. She also represents the SJTA on the Inter-Agency Group (IAG) E-ZPass Executive Management Committee and is the liaison between SJTA and other governmental agencies and entities on matters pertaining to toll collection projects including the NJ E-ZPass Group of agencies, NJ MVC and NJDOT. She also currently holds a Qualified Purchasing Agent certificate from the State of New Jersey. Prior to joining the Authority, Ms. Coughlin served as the Executive Director of the Cape May County Bridge Commission for ten years. 

Colleen Hackett, Director of Business Administration, was appointed to the position of Director of Business Administration in February 2023. Her responsibilities include oversight of human resources, affirmative action, risk management, procurement and business development. Mrs. Hackett joined the Authority in 1999 as a Capital Program Analyst where she analyzed the operating and capital budgets. She was promoted to Project Manager in 2002 where she managed consultants on all Airport projects. In 2005, Mrs. Hackett was elevated to the Grants Manager overseeing all FAA related grant applications and funding. In 2006, she transferred to the Finance department where she held the position of Accounting Supervisor and subsequently Assistant Comptroller, responsible for all aspects of Accounting. In 2015, Mrs. Hackett was promoted to Administrative Services Manager, where she served the Authority for eight years managing all procurement activities, while simultaneously serving as Deputy Treasurer and Post Issuance Compliance Officer. Mrs. Hackett holds a B.S. in Finance from The College of New Jersey and an M.B.A. in Management from Rutgers University. She also currently holds a Registered Public Purchasing Official certificate.

Paul C. Heck, Chief Administrative Officer, joined the Authority on May 25, 2005 and currently serves as the Chief Administration Officer. He is responsible for the oversight of the Airport, Transportation Technology, Safety and Business Administration Departments, inclusive of the Human Resources, Labor Relations, Benefits & Risk Management divisions and the Authority’s Affirmative Action Officer. Mr. Heck’s work experience prior to joining the SJTA includes working for Towers Perrin, now Willis Towers Watson, where he was responsible for administering outsourced health and welfare benefits for various clients. Mr. Heck holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Rowan University, an M.B.A from Rutgers University and a Graduate Certificate in Finance from University of Southern New Hampshire. Mr. Heck has been certified as an Employee Benefit Specialist (C.E.B.S), a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and an Associate in Risk Management (ARM).

Tim Kroll, I.A.P., Airport Director, currently serves as Airport Director since his appointment in 2017. Prior to becoming Director, Mr. Kroll was Deputy Airport Director for eight years. Mr. Kroll’s responsibilities include oversight of all Airport functions including, but not limited to operations, maintenance, finance and concessions. Mr. Kroll joined the Authority in May of 2002 as a budget analyst responsible for preparing budget reports for both the Airport and Expressway. He was promoted to the position of Operating Budget Manager in 2004 where he was responsible for developing and maintaining the operating budgets for both the Expressway and the Airport. In 2006, Mr. Kroll was appointed Manager of Capital Programs where he developed the annual and five-year Authority capital programs. Additionally, he was responsible to secure and oversee all FAA related grant agreements and funding. Mr. Kroll graduated from Fairfield University in 1999 with a degree in Business Management. In June of 2013 he received the International Airport Professional (I.A.P.) designation, from the International Airport Professional Accreditation Program.

Joseph M. Mahoney, Jr. Director of Information Technology, joined the South Jersey Transportation Authority in November 2022 and brings over 31 years of IT experience across various sectors. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Mahoney served as the Enterprise Information Services Manager, where he led multiple infrastructure upgrades for the Authority and Atlantic City International Airport. In his role, Mr. Mahoney leads a skilled team of IT professionals responsible for maintaining the Authority’s network, data centers, and enterprise systems. Additionally, his team focuses on enhancing cybersecurity measures, providing technical support, and implementing innovative solutions that align with the Authority’s goals and long-term objectives. Mr. Mahoney holds a degree in Computer Electronics and Systems Technology, along with certifications in Microsoft and Network Administration.

Kevin A. Steet, Chief Financial Officer, joined the Authority in January 2024 and serves as the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director of Finance. He is responsible for the Authority’s debt management, cash management, accounting, budget and revenue control functions. Mr. Steet serves as the E-ZPass Interagency Group (IAG) Finance Committee representative for the Authority. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New Jersey. Mr. Steet received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting as well as a Master of Business Studies with a Concentration in Management from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. He went on to further his education receiving a Master of Science in Taxation from Philadelphia University. Prior to joining the Authority, Mr. Steet was employed for 23 years at a public accounting firm, rising to the level of Partner.

James G. Sullivan, Jr. Chief Field Operations Officer, joined the Authority in February 2006 and serves as the Chief Field Operations Officer.

His responsibilities include the oversight of the Operations Department, Engineering Department, Transportation Services Department and the Authority’s NJ State Police Liaison. Mr. Sullivan is also responsible for the overall condition and safe operation of the Atlantic City Expressway and the AC-BC Connector Tunnel, maintenance of all facilities, the vehicle & equipment fleet and the coordination of the associated capital and operating budgets and the procurement requirements, as they support strategic planning efforts to meet the Authority’s goals and objectives. Prior to his employment with the Authority, Mr. Sullivan served 28 years with the New Jersey State Police. It was in this capacity where he worked with the Homeland Security Branch – Special Operations Section, three years as Statewide Incident Management Unit Head and liaison to the NJ Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the I-95 Corridor Coalition. Mr. Sullivan has attended the Certified Public Manager Program, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the New Jersey State Police Executive Leadership Course.

Nelson W. Wiest, Director of Operations, was appointed to the position of Director of Operations in February of 2023. The Operations Department is responsible for maintaining the Atlantic City Expressway, its right-of-way and associated buildings and facilities. This includes the  Division and regional maintenance facilities, the Emergency Service Patrols (ESP), the Operational Dispatch Unit and traveler information systems, the Fleet Division, the Crafts Division (skilled labor) and maintenance of NJ State Police Operations for the Expressway. Prior to his appointment as Director, Nelson retired October 1, 2022 as SJTA’s Fire Chief at the Atlantic City International Airport, he was appointed to the Fire Department in November of 1996. Nelson received his CPM (Certified Public Manager) designation from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration in September of 2020.

David Zappariello, Director of Communications, joined the Authority in January 2016 and served as the Chief of Staff to Mr. Stephen F. Dougherty, until 2023. In his current position, Mr. Zappariello oversees communications, public relations, and all strategic marketing channels for the Authority, including written, website, and social media. Mr. Zappariello also assists with board meetings, speeches, special events, and internal communications. Mr. Zappariello represents the Authority as a Trustee for the Atlantic County Economic Alliance and as a Board of Director for the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his employment at the SJTA, Mr. Zappariello served as mayor and councilman in Buena Borough for eight and nine years, respectively. He was also appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board, Housing Authority, and the Municipal Utilities Authority. Mr. Zappariello also served as president of the Atlantic County Association of Township Officials.