Kevin Corbett
Kevin Corbett | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 5, 1955 Pelham, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Transportation executive |
| Known for | President and CEO of New Jersey Transit |
Kevin Stephen Corbett (born December 5, 1955) is a prominent figure in transportation and economic development within the United States. In February 2018, he assumed the role of President and CEO of New Jersey Transit (NJT), the public transportation authority for the state of New Jersey.
Background
Born on December 5, 1955, Corbett is the son of Andrew Corbett from Pelham, New York, who led A. J. Corbett & Sons, a firm specializing in steamship services and maritime consulting.
He earned his degree from Georgetown University and holds the position of Blue and Gold Officer at the U.S. Naval Academy. Additionally, he was a fellow at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.
In 1991, Corbett married Dr. Siobhan Alden. The couple lives in Mendham, where they maintain both a residence and a five-acre farm. They are frequent users of NJ Transit’s services.
Career
Corbett’s professional background includes serving as vice president for the international transportation consulting company AECOM and for Wilhelmsen Lines, headquartered in Oslo, where he also oversaw its New York division, Barber West Africa Line. His leadership experience extends to positions at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Empire State Development Corporation—where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—and Galliford Try.
He has contributed as a board member to organizations such as the New York League of Conservation Voters, the Regional Plan Association, the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey, and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
New Jersey Transit
Following Governor Phil Murphy's characterization of NJ Transit as a "national disgrace," Corbett was brought in as CEO in January 2018 to spearhead agency reform. Murphy initiated an extensive leadership restructuring alongside a comprehensive audit of NJ Transit. Corbett took over from Steven Santoro, who stepped down in April 2018. At his appointment, Corbett highlighted the potential to unlock previously overlooked value within NJ Transit.
During his tenure, NJ Transit achieved full deployment of federally required Positive Train Control (PTC) safety technology by December 2020. When Corbett began his leadership, NJ Transit lacked a formal capital strategy; he commissioned one that was finalized in December 2019. Despite facing criticism and demands for resignation amid service challenges in early 2020, Corbett introduced a $16 billion five-year Capital Plan along with NJ Transit’s inaugural 10-year Strategic Plan in June 2020.
On December 9, 2024, Corbett declared his intention to resign effective January 15, 2025, citing his acceptance of a new position at a leading state university dedicated to transportation innovation, infrastructure development, and regional advocacy.
See also
- Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti
- Governorship of Phil Murphy
- George Warrington
- James Weinstein (New Jersey official)
- Richard A. White
Further reading
- We asked the head of NJ Transit (and some of his critics) to grade his 1st year. How'd he do? – Larry Higgs, nj.com, 24 March 2019
- NJTPlans - A 5-Year Capital and 10-Year Strategic Plan, njtransit.com, 1 June 2020