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Steve Strauss
Executive Director, Empire State Passengers Association
Professional Background
Steve Strauss is a highly regarded transit generalist with a rich and diverse background in transportation, customer service, marketing, capital budgeting, and service delivery. With over two decades of experience in the transportation sector, Steve has firmly established himself as an influential leader in intercity passenger rail issues, particularly within the Northeast Corridor. His career exemplifies a commitment to enhancing transit systems and improving the overall customer experience for passengers.
As the Executive Director at the Empire State Passengers Association, Steve leads initiatives aimed at advancing passenger rail advocacy and promoting public interest in transportation services throughout New York State. His extensive experience includes holding pivotal positions such as President of Mobility Solutions Northeast, LLC, where he championed innovative transportation solutions tailored to the needs of various communities.
Steve's tenure as Deputy Associate Director of the Transit Delivery Division at the DC Department of Transportation provided him with insight into the complexities of transit operations and strategic planning. His role involved overseeing numerous projects aimed at improving transit service delivery and enhancing customer engagement. In addition, Steve served as a Special Advisor for WMATA and Regional Transportation in the same department, further showcasing his expertise in regional transit issues.
Prior to these roles, Steve held esteemed positions that significantly influenced his professional trajectory, including Special Assistant to the Director at the DC Department of Transportation, Transportation Policy Manager with the New York City Comptroller's Office, and consultant at Times Square Alliance. Each of these roles enabled him to harness his skills in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and operational enhancements.
His background in government and community relations is particularly noteworthy, with Steve serving as Assistant Director of Government & Community Relations at MTA New York City Transit and Special Assistant to the CFO at the State of NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority. These positions provided him valuable experience in public sector transportation and infrastructure funding strategies, enhancing his acumen in capital budgeting and financial planning for large-scale transit projects.
Education and Achievements
Steve Strauss is academically grounded with a robust educational background that complements his extensive work experience. He pursued his Master of Business Administration at the prestigious Columbia University Graduate School of Business, where he honed his skills in finance, marketing, and organizational management. His MBA provided a strong foundation for navigating the complexities of transportation service delivery and strategic business development, which are vital in today’s transit industry.
Before earning his MBA, Steve received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Dartmouth College. His education at Dartmouth furnished him with critical thinking and analytical skills that he applies daily to solve intricate transportation challenges. His ability to contextualize historical trends in transit systems allows him to forecast future developments in the sector effectively.
Steve's commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident through his active participation in various transportation-focused organizations and initiatives throughout his career. He has contributed valuable insights through his leadership roles, while also remaining abreast of emerging trends and technologies in transportation and transit marketing.
Achievements
Steve has an array of noteworthy achievements in the transit sector that reflect his dedication to improving intercity passenger rail service and customer experience. As Executive Director of the Empire State Passengers Association, Steve has been instrumental in promoting passenger rail advancements and advocating for the interests of commuters across New York. His leadership has played a pivotal role in initiatives that elevate transportation advocacy and foster partnerships with government agencies and stakeholders.
At Mobility Solutions Northeast, LLC, Steve’s innovative approach to transit management and service delivery helped unlock new opportunities for sustainable travel solutions, positioning the company as a forward-thinking advocate for regional transportation improvement. He successfully managed projects that enhanced transit connectivity and reliability in communities.
During his time with the DC Department of Transportation, Steve’s strategic vision and insights contributed to improved transit planning, service efficiency, and customer satisfaction. He has been recognized for his collaborative approach to overcoming complex transportation challenges and has spearheaded projects aimed at enhancing the usability and functionality of transit services in Washington, D.C.
Furthermore, his role as Transportation Policy Manager at the New York City Comptroller's Office stands out as a significant contribution to developing sound transportation policy and fiscal oversight of transit budgets. His analytical skills enabled him to provide strategic recommendations that improved the management of public funds for transportation initiatives.
In addition, his experience in community relations while working with MTA New York City Transit has allowed him to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that community needs are at the forefront of transportation initiatives. Steve’s achievements exemplify his commitment to not only advancing transportation policy but also driving tangible improvements in service delivery and customer relations throughout his career.
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