Jeff Coltin is editor-in-chief of City & State NY, recently returning to the magazine where he built his career over a decade covering New York politics. He was previously at Politico, reporting on the city and co-authoring the New York Playbook. 

Before that, Jeff was City Hall bureau chief at City & State, where he authored the Campaign Confidential newsletter and was named the New York Press Association’s 2022 Writer of the Year.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Jeff got into journalism at Fordham University in the Bronx, inspired by his grandfather Wendell, who reported for the Boston Herald among other papers. He lives with his wife on the Upper West Side.

Patrick O’Hare serves as the Chief Network Operations Officer for Boldyn Networks’ US business. He is responsible for leading the design, installation, maintenance, and monitoring of the company’s network infrastructure and projects in transportation, military bases, venues, and fiber deployments.

Previously the Chief Operating Officer, Northeast, of their US business, Patrick first joined Boldyn Networks as the Chief Operating Officer and founding member of ZenFi Networks, now Boldyn Networks. Patrick brings extensive experience overseeing the deployment and operations of thousands of wireless sites, including the US’ largest free public outdoor Wi-Fi network, which provides connectivity to millions of people in New York.

Prior to Boldyn Networks and ZenFi Networks, Patrick was the Senior Vice President of Operations and Engineering at Sidera Networks and was instrumental in the company’s acquisition by Berkshire Partners. He has also held several Vice President roles at RCN Metro, Zayo, and Level 3 Communications, along with management roles at Verizon’s predecessor companies; New York Telephone, NYNEX, and Bell Atlantic. Patrick holds an MBA from Long Island University and a BA from the State University of New York –University at Albany.

John (“Janno”) Lieber was confirmed as Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in January 2022, following his nomination to that position by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Lieber has been serving as MTA Acting Chair and CEO since July 2021 and is the Authority’s 15th Chairperson since it was founded in 1968.

In this position, Lieber provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for the MTA, the largest public transportation agency in North America. He also heads the MTA Board of Directors, senior leadership team, and a total workforce of more than 60,000 employees.

From 2017 to 2021, Lieber served as President of MTA Construction & Development, the organization responsible for planning, developing, and delivering capital projects across the MTA. In that position, he led the creation and implementation of the MTA’s 2020-2024 $51.5 Billion Capital Program. He also managed the integration and transformation of construction and development management practice at the MTA.

Prior to the MTA, Lieber served as President of World Trade Center Properties LLC, where he was responsible for managing all aspects of the Silverstein organization’s efforts to rebuild at the World Trade Center site, including planning, design, and construction issues; business, financing, and legal matters; and public affairs, government, and community relations.

Earlier in his career, he held positions in the administrations of President Bill Clinton and NYC Mayor Ed Koch and worked as an attorney in private practice.

New York is entering a new era of infrastructure investment that integrates energy, healthcare, schools, housing, water systems, and digital connectivity. This panel brings together leaders from government, technology, labor, community groups, and the private sector to explore how strategic partnerships and forward-looking investments can improve mobility, expand broadband, enhance public health, and boost climate resilience. Panelists will examine the policies, innovations, and collaborations needed to deliver measurable benefits statewide, drive economic opportunity, and build a sustainable, connected future.

New York’s transportation network is the backbone of its economy and daily life, and the state is embarking on its next major transformation. This panel will explore the policies, investments, and innovations shaping the future of mobility—from modernizing subways, rail, and airports to expanding sustainable and alternative transit options with smarter, more efficient infrastructure. Panelists will share strategies to increase access and affordability for all New Yorkers, including free or subsidized bus programs, while building a system that is safer, more connected, climate resilient, and capable of driving economic opportunity. Attendees will gain insights into ways to support and invest in transformative mobility solutions.

Jamie Torres-Springer has served as President of MTA’s Construction & Development agency since 2021. He is responsible for better, faster, and cheaper delivery of the MTA's capital program through innovative management of construction for the region’s subways, buses, commuter railroads, bridges, and tunnels. Through C&D, he oversees the full capital delivery process and planning for future transit-oriented development and climate resilience investments. Under his leadership the agency has shown results bringing the system to a state of good repair and making it more resilient and accessible for millions of daily riders while containing costs and leveraging public-private partnerships.

Prior to joining the MTA, Mr. Torres-Springer served as Commissioner of New York City's Department of Design and Construction (DDC), where he led development and implementation of DDC's comprehensive plan to streamline capital project delivery.

New York’s construction industry is entering a transformative era, driven by innovation, strategic investment, and public-private collaboration. This panel will showcase how projects are advancing inclusive growth, sustainable development, and high-impact results, highlighting emerging construction trends, energy-efficient practices, affordable housing, workforce development, and fair contracting. Panelists highlight solutions shaping the state’s next generation of construction projects.

As New York faces aging assets and growing demands, public-private partnerships (P3s) are emerging as a vital tool for progress. This panel of government leaders, private-sector innovators, and financial experts will explore how collaboration can accelerate project delivery, reduce costs, and drive innovation. Discussions will include successful P3 models, key challenges, and strategies for ensuring accountability as New York builds for the future. Panelists will also examine how redeveloped infrastructure can create new economic opportunities for businesses across New York, fostering job growth, attracting investment, and stimulating local economies.