New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) has nominated Francis “Fran” O’Connor (above) to be the next commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, replacing Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, who began transitioning into a new role as the governor’s chief of staff in September 2023.
[Above photo via the New Jersey Governor’s Office]
O’Connor – a longtime transportation and infrastructure executive who began his career as a toll collector on the New Jersey Turnpike some 39 years ago – previously served as vice president of tolls at Atkins, a privately held British engineering and design company. He will serve as acting commissioner as he awaits confirmation by the New Jersey legislature.
“With more than four decades of experience working within transportation agencies across the country, Fran is immensely qualified to advance my administration’s efforts to continue building a transportation system that is more modern and more accessible than ever before,” said Gov. Murphy in a statement.
The governor’s office noted that O’Connor’s “strategic focus on toll road agencies” provides him with a “firm grasp” of the project delivery process – especially as he’s been in charge of multi-million-dollar projects for public sector clients across the country.
“As a New Jersey resident and former New Jersey Turnpike Authority employee, Fran shares my commitment to safe, efficient transportation for all New Jersey residents and commuters,” Gov. Murphy added.
“I am truly honored to be considered to serve the governor as commissioner,” O’Connor noted. “I am excited to be able to help implement the Governor’s transportation vision for New Jersey and to build on the great work that Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti has done over the past six years for transportation in our state.”