NYMTA
The New York MTA on Aug. 26 announced the appointment of Kathryn Falasca as the agency’s first Criminal Justice Advocate.
An experienced criminal attorney, Falasca will work with law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial agencies, and community-based organizations to “ensure offender accountability through the strongest possible investigation and prosecution of those who commit crimes against MTA customers and employees,” the agency noted. Additionally, she will work to advocate and provide support for crime victims in the system.
Falasca most recently served as Director of the Strategic Initiatives Bureau of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where she provided policy recommendations and oversaw projects to enhance prosecutions while working with city and state agencies, hospitals and survivor groups to “ensure that NYPD’s investigative practices were victim-centered and informed by the trauma experienced by survivors.” Prior to the Strategic Initiatives Bureau, Falasca served as Director and Special Counsel in NYPD’s Department Advocate Office where she oversaw several projects related to members of service who were crime survivors.
She began her career in public service as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. During her tenure there, Falasca prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases, specializing in domestic violence, rape, arson, homicide and other cases of heightened sensitivity. She has worked with the National Center for Victims of Crimes, as well as the United States Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crimes.
She received her Juris Doctor from Hofstra University, where she graduated cum laude and was honored for excellence in public service. She is admitted to the New York State Bar, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Our customers say they want to be safe and feel safe and keeping repeat offenders—who disproportionately commit much of the subway crime—out of transit is essential,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Katie Falasca is the right person with the right background to work with the justice system on behalf of both riders and transit employees.”
“My goal in this new role at the MTA is to serve as a conduit between the region’s public transit system and the region’s courtrooms, and to advocate for transit workers and customers who’ve been impacted by crime while on the job or on their commute,” said Falasca. “Safety in the transit system is paramount, and we are working tirelessly to ensure perpetrators of violence on our subways, buses and railroads are brought to justice.”
Falasca’s appointment as Criminal Justice Advocate comes as crime in the subway has “steadily decreased year-over-year since the pandemic,” according to the MTA. The latest transit crime statistics from the NYPD show that major crimes decreased by 7.7% year-to-date through July 2024 in the subway system. July was the sixth consecutive month with a double-digit decrease in subway crime. Last year, overall crime in the transit system fell nearly 3% compared to 2022, as the number of riders increased by 14%. This year, transit crime was down 15.4% in February, 23.5% in March, 23% in April, 10.6% in May, and 15.3% in June, compared to the same months a year earlier.
Transdev U.S.
Transdev U.S. recently announced the appointment of Mischa Wanek-Libman as the new Director of Communications on the company’s corporate marketing and communications teams. With more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry, Wanek-Libman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role, having recently transitioned from her position as Group Editorial Director at Mass Transit magazine.
During her distinguished career, Wanek-Libman has held top editorial roles at leading transportation publications, including Mass Transit, Railway Track & Structures, and Railway Age. Her work has been widely recognized for excellence in journalism, particularly in covering construction projects, engineering challenges, and transit and rail operations.
In her new role, Wanek-Libman will be responsible for actively managing Transdev’s communication strategy. She will manage media relationships, support crisis communications, and “ensure consistent and positive messaging across all company materials.” Additionally, Wanek-Libman will help “ensure alignment of internal and external communication strategies with company goals.”
“The Marketing & Communications Team at Transdev is excited to welcome Mischa. Her vision and expertise are expected to bring significant value to the team’s communication efforts,” the company stated in a release.
Wanek-Libman is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Marketing and Communications Committee and has served as a Board Observer for the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University.
“I have spent my career connecting people with ideas and solutions through shared stories on a variety of platforms. I am excited to join the marketing and communication team at Transdev U.S. to support the company’s purpose of empowering the freedom to move,” stated Wanek-Libman.
“Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mischa in her role as the Editor-in-Chief at Mass Transit magazine, where she consistently demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, insight, and dedication to the industry,” said Transdev U.S. Vice President of Marketing and Communications Mitun Seguin. “Her deep understanding of the public transit sector and her ability to effectively communicate complex issues have made her a respected voice in the field. With Mischa’s expertise, I am confident that she will prove to be invaluable in the company’s communications strategy as we continue to advance our mission of providing safe, reliable, innovative mobility solutions.”
In related news, Transdev U.S. also announced the return of Katrina Heineking as a Senior Vice President of Transit.
With nearly three decades of experience in the transportation industry, Heineking brings “a wealth of knowledge, strategic vision, and innovative leadership back to Transdev,” the company noted. Heineking joins the Transit SVP leadership team at Transdev, all reporting to Susan Sweat, COO of Transit for Transdev U.S.
In her most recent role as EVP of Operations at Beep Inc., an autonomous vehicle startup, Heineking spearheaded key growth initiatives, overseeing operations across nine states and forming strategic partnerships with international OEMs. Her leadership in the autonomous vehicle sector and extensive experience in managing large-scale transportation projects “uniquely position her to drive Transdev’s strategic objectives forward,” according to the company.
Heineking’s previous 18-year tenure at Transdev U.S. saw her in various pivotal roles, including Chief Operating Officer of Transdev Alternative Services (TAS). In this capacity, she was instrumental in establishing long-term partnerships in the autonomous vehicle space and managing TAS’s overall performance. Her contributions also included launching system-wide campaigns, fostering public-private partnerships, and driving significant improvements in operational metrics, labor relations, and safety. Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the industry, Heineking has received numerous awards, including The Key Executives Top 25 Executives of Arizona Award in 2024.
Heineking remains actively involved in community and professional organizations, serving on boards and councils such as the Arizona Public Transit Association, Transdev’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, and the Phoenix Area Chamber of Commerce. She holds a bachelor’s in business management from Northwood University, with additional coursework in human resource management, federal procurement, and transit planning.
“Katrina’s extensive industry experience and innovative approach will undoubtedly enhance our service offerings and strengthen our leadership position in the transportation sector,” said Sweat. “And her vision and dedication to innovation are set to drive the company’s mission forward, ensuring continued success in delivering high-quality transportation solutions.”
HDR
HDR on Aug. 26 announced that Katie Caskey, AICP, has been promoted to serve as the firm’s Transportation Strategic Communications Director.
In this role, Caskey will be responsible for the continued growth, development and delivery of the 180-member transportation strategic communications practice within HDR’s 250-member program serving clients in all infrastructure markets. She will work in partnership with strategic communications leadership across HDR to “drive innovation and expand technical capabilities, geographic service areas and workforce development opportunities.”
Caskey will also work closely with the firm’s global market and area leadership to identify client and project opportunities where HDR can provide value-added services during the capital planning process and throughout the project development life cycle.
Caskey most recently served as Senior Strategic Communications Consultant in HDR’s Minneapolis office. She has developed and led successful public engagement activities for statewide plans and studies across the upper Midwest, including for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, North Dakota Department of Transportation and South Dakota Department of Transportation. Additionally, in partnership with MnDOT, Caskey led the development of the state’s first comprehensive messaging and engagement guidance for connected automated vehicles, which received federal- and state-level recognition.
“She will continue to identify and advocate for the development and use of new tools and resources to support technical excellence in stakeholder communication and engagement,” HDR noted. In 2024, she was awarded an HDR fellowship to continue her research in community outreach compensation methods to remove barriers and drive better community-wide engagement.
“Katie understands the importance of communication and how successful stakeholder engagement can inform key infrastructure decisions, build critical support and lead to improved mobility for all,” said HDR Transportation Advisory Services Director Janet González Tudor. “Her experience combined with her proven ability to innovate provides a strong foundation for continued growth of our strategic communications practice in response to the evolution and transformation of our dynamic infrastructure markets.”
“From the integration of new technology like electrification and automation to improving the capacity and safety of our transportation systems, proactive and strategic outreach programs are a critical element in today’s complex environment,” Caskey said. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues, our clients and communities to move the needle on how successful and inclusive stakeholder engagement can drive efficient and effective program delivery.”
