Newly Appointed Administrator announced for FTA: Marc Molinaro

Newly Appointed Administrator announced for FTA: Marc Molinaro

Marcus Molinaro Confirmed as New FTA Administrator

Marcus J. Molinaro, a lifelong New Yorker and former U.S. Representative for New York's 19th Congressional District, has been confirmed as the 16th administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) by the U.S. Senate on August 2, 2025.

Molinaro's public service career began in 1994 when he was elected to the Village Board of Trustees in Tivoli, New York. At 19 years old, he became the youngest mayor in America, serving five terms. He also served four terms in the Dutchess County Legislature, leading bipartisan improvements in social services.

From 2006 to 2011, Molinaro represented the 103rd district in the New York State Assembly and served as Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore. During this time, he advocated for rural economies, infrastructure modernization, and small business growth. His legislative experience on transportation and infrastructure positioned him well for the FTA role.

As Dutchess County Executive from 2011 until 2023, Molinaro focused on streamlining government, fiscal discipline, and innovative initiatives. He held leadership roles in state county associations during this time.

In Congress, Molinaro served on the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Small Business. His advocacy for rural economies, infrastructure, and public transportation aligns with his priorities as FTA administrator.

Molinaro's confirmation as FTA administrator received bipartisan support, reflecting his reputation for effective leadership and commitment to public transit. He has expressed priorities around making transit safer, more accessible, and better connected, aligning with the Department of Transportation's goals under Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

The FTA plays an essential role in supporting the $79 billion public transportation industry, which provides billions of trips annually and employs 430,000 people directly. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) congratulated Molinaro on his confirmation and looks forward to working closely with him and the administration to strengthen public transit systems nationwide.

Tariq Bokhari, who previously served as acting administrator, now transitions to the role of deputy administrator. Molinaro's nationally recognized Think DIFFERENTLY initiative, which focused on reexamining how local governments served individuals with disabilities, is expected to continue influencing his work at the FTA.

Molinaro resides in Catskill, New York with his family. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to the role public transportation plays in providing access to economic opportunities, and he is committed to supporting the nation's public transportation systems and ensuring a safer, more accessible, and better-connected America.

[1] New York Times - Marcus Molinaro Confirmed as FTA Administrator

[2] APTA - APTA Congratulates Marcus Molinaro on Confirmation as FTA Administrator

[3] CNN - Meet the New FTA Administrator, Marcus Molinaro

[4] Marcus Molinaro - Official Biography

1. Marcus Molinaro's legislative background and focused advocacy for infrastructure modernization, such as transit and transportation, make him a strategic fit for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) role, particularly in light of the organization's crucial role in managing the $79 billion public transportation industry.
2. With a deep understanding of policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news surrounding transit and transportation, Molinaro's confirmation as FTA administrator is widely supported by bipartisan leaders, including the APTA, who look forward to collaborating with him on strengthening and expanding public transportation systems across the nation.
3. As FTA administrator, Marcus Molinaro aims to prioritize policy changes to ensure the safety, accessibility, and overall improvement of the nation's transit systems, aligning with the Department of Transportation's goals and extending his Think DIFFERENTLY initiative, which focuses on serving individuals with disabilities, to enhance public transportation for all.

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