Priya Jain has officially assumed office as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, becoming the 21st leader of the agency. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the New Jersey State Senate, following her nomination earlier in the year. She had already been serving in an acting role since January, overseeing key operations within the department.
As Commissioner, Jain will manage New Jersey’s extensive transportation network and also serve as Chair of major entities, including New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Her leadership will focus on delivering a transportation system that is affordable, dependable, and modern, while addressing the evolving needs of communities.
Jain has emphasized a people-focused approach, combining innovation and data-driven strategies to improve efficiency and service delivery. In her initial months, she has worked closely with engineers, field teams, and operational staff to gain a deeper understanding of the department’s core functions and challenges.
With more than 30 years of experience, Jain brings significant expertise in managing large-scale infrastructure and transportation projects. Her career began in civil and environmental engineering, and she has since worked across engineering, policy, and program management, contributing to complex public sector initiatives.
Before taking on this role, she held senior leadership positions in major global firms. As President of Americas at Mace Consult, she oversaw strategic expansion and operational performance. She also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Atlas, where she led growth initiatives, and as Senior Vice President at Atkins, driving business expansion across North America. Earlier in her career, she worked with CH2M on major infrastructure projects.
Jain’s connection to New Jersey’s transportation system dates back to her early involvement in the ARC Tunnel project, which shaped her understanding of large, multi-agency developments. This experience continues to influence her focus on efficient coordination and timely project execution.
In addition to her leadership role, she serves on boards of major transportation organizations and contributes to academic initiatives. Her educational background includes engineering and science degrees from institutions in India and the United States.
Her appointment signals a strong push toward modernizing transportation systems and managing infrastructure projects that involve investments worth millions of dollars, positioning New Jersey for long-term growth and improved connectivity.
