In a strategic move to maintain stability within the Commonwealth's transportation framework, Governor Maura Healey has appointed Phil Eng as the Interim Secretary of the Department of Transportation, as announced earlier today. Eng, who has been serving as the General Manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), will now temporarily helm both MassDOT and MBTA, during a period of transition following the departure of Monica Tibbits-Nutt. Tibbits-Nutt has decided to return to the private sector, leaving behind a legacy of advancing significant infrastructure endeavors and equitable fare policies.
According to a statement made by the Massachusetts government website, Eng's dual role is to be effective immediately, ensuring that there is no disruption in leadership. At the same time, Jonathan Gulliver, the Highway Administrator, has been promoted to Undersecretary of Transportation and will retain his current duties while taking on expanded responsibilities. This shuffle in the top brass comes amidst several high-profile projects, including the landmark Cape Cod Bridges, West/East Rail, and the Sumner Tunnel Restoration effort. Eng is set to address the media at 11 a.m. at the MassDOT Headquarters concerning his new interim position.
Eng's appointment was warmly received by Governor Healey, who commented on his past achievements and his capacity as a trusted leader. "As General Manager of the MBTA, Phil Eng has overseen a transformative period for public transportation in our state and delivered the results that the people of Massachusetts have needed for a long time when it comes to safety and reliability," Governor Healey said, as reported by the Massachusetts government website. She also noted the contributions of Undersecretary Gulliver, mentioning his ability to spearhead complex projects and understanding the state's needs in terms of infrastructure.
Expressing his readiness to take on the challenges of his interim role, Eng emphasized the importance of a seamless, multimodal transportation network. He stated, "I look forward to taking on this interim role with MassDOT and working even more closely with Undersecretary Gulliver and their great team to deliver the world-class transportation system that the people of Massachusetts and our visitors deserve," as per the Massachusetts government.
Jonathan Gulliver, too, shared his optimism for the future, referencing the strides made under his tenure as Highway Administrator. "This is an exciting moment for the future of Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure, as we have the opportunity to make transformative upgrades and deliver for our people and our economy," Gulliver said, as mentioned on the state's official website. His credentials as the longest-serving Highway Administrator add weight to an already impressive resume that includes leading significant infrastructure projects and overseeing an expansive annual capital program.
About Phil Eng: Since his appointment as General Manager of the MBTA by Governor Healey in March 2023, Eng has lead a series of transformative initiatives to enhance the state's public transit system in terms of safety, reliability, and service. His career, previously rooted in the New York State Department of Transportation, displays a storied history of managing and improving transportation systems. Eng's tenure included impactful stints at the MTA Long Island Rail Road and as an executive at the LiRo Group before taking the reins at the MBTA.
About Jonathan Gulliver: Having held the position of State Highway Administrator since 2017, Gulliver has been instrumental in steering MassDOT's highway operations. With a longstanding commitment to public service and nearly three decades of experience in the transportation field, Gulliver's expertise has been recognized in numerous honors, including the Professional Manager of the Year in Transportation award by the American Public Works Association in 2025. Gulliver is a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, with a background in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
