Richard A. Davey
Richard A. Davey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Randolph, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, transportation executive |
| Known for | CEO of Massachusetts Port Authority; General Manager of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation; President of New York City Transit Authority |
Richard A. Davey is an American lawyer and transportation leader who currently holds the position of CEO at the Massachusetts Port Authority. His previous significant roles include serving as General Manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority from 2010 to 2011, Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation between 2011 and 2014, and President of the New York City Transit Authority from 2022 until 2024.
Early life and career
Originally from Randolph, Massachusetts, Davey completed his undergraduate studies at the College of the Holy Cross and earned his Juris Doctor degree with summa cum laude honors from Gonzaga University School of Law.
He launched his legal profession in 1999 as a trial attorney with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, part of the United States Department of Justice. Subsequently, Davey practiced law at the New York City firm Schulte Roth & Zabel.
Transportation executive
Davey began working with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company, which operates the MBTA Commuter Rail, in 2002. By July 2003, he had been appointed general counsel and was elevated to deputy general manager in 2007. He assumed the role of general manager in 2008, achieving a 40% reduction in customer complaints during his first full year.
In March 2010, Davey departed MBCR to take on the role of general manager at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. On August 4, 2011, then-Governor Deval Patrick announced that Davey would replace Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan, effective September 1, 2011. He resigned from this post on October 31, 2014, with Frank DePaola stepping in as acting Transportation Secretary.
Following his tenure in public office, Davey led Boston 2024, the non-profit organization responsible for Boston’s unsuccessful bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics. He also held positions as partner and associate director at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
In March 2022, Davey was appointed president of the New York City Transit Authority by New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, overseeing subway and bus operations. He announced plans to leave this role in June 2024 to assume leadership at Massport.
Personal life
Davey is married to Jane Willis, who is a partner at Ropes & Gray and was formerly part of the MIT Blackjack Team.