(TRENTON) NorthStar Strategies co-founder and CEO Joe Fiordaliso released the following statement in response to the resignation of Gateway Development Commission (GDC) CEO Kris Kolluri:
“Kris Kolluri has served as CEO of the GDC for exactly two years. In that short period of time he has not only built out the organization from scratch, he has taken all the necessary steps to deliver the most consequential infrastructure program in the United States.
Under Kris’s leadership, GDC has delivered progress that is historic, meaningful and measurable. Most recently, Kris presided over the signing of the $6.88 billion full funding grant agreement between GDC and the Federal Transit Administration for construction of the Hudson Tunnel Project. Kris was able to advance three early construction contracts and hire the Program Delivery Partner that will manage the Gateway Program.
Kris's accomplishments at the helm of GDC don't surprise me in the least. I've known and worked closely with him since 2002. We both cut our teeth working for Members of Congress in Washington before returning home to join the McGreevey Administration as aides to then-New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Jamie Fox. After a brief stint in the private sector Kris returned to public service as Governor Corzine's NJDOT Commissioner and asked me to serve as his Chief of Staff. I've been in the trenches with him and seen the character and mettle of the person. Not only do I admire and respect Kris professionally, I'm proud to call him a friend.
Following his tenure at NJDOT (where he also served as Chair of the boards of NJ TRANSIT, New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority), Kris served as CEO of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, and President & CEO of the Camden Community Partnership, a community and economic development non-profit. After being thoroughly vetted, his appointment to run GDC was announced by Governors Murphy and Hochul at the Regional Plan Association's 2022 Assembly. I was thrilled to be in the room for that announcement and applaud my friend.
Kris exemplifies the best of public service. His accomplishments have improved the lives of New Jerseyans by connecting them to jobs and opportunities. His work has helped parents get their kids safely to school, sports practice, and back home. His leadership has helped transform forgotten communities into vibrant places to live and raise a family. And his commitment to a strong and resilient transportation network has directly contributed to the region’s economic strength."
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Joe Fiordaliso's tenure at NJDOT extended from 2002-2006 and included service as Chief of Staff to Kolluri and Commissioner Jack Lettiere. Joe founded NorthStar Strategies with Jody Herkloz in 2016 and advises clients on myriad issues including transportation and infrastructure. Fiordaliso serves as President of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey, the business trade association for the consulting engineering profession.