LIRR names Eng president

Phillip Eng has been appointed president of MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

He succeeds Patrick Nowakowski, whose resignation takes effect today. Eng joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in March 2017, when he was appointed chief operating officer.

From October 2017 though January, Eng concurrently served as acting president of MTA New York City Transit. He was played an "integral part" in the delivery of MTA's 2015-2019 $29.5 billion capital program, agency officials said in a press release.

"Phil has shown exceptional leadership and dedication during his time at the MTA, and I know he will bring his enthusiasm for developing a world-class transportation system to the LIRR," said MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota.

In 1983, Eng began his public service career as a junior engineer with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). His other roles at the department included construction supervisor, director of operations, regional director of the New York City office and chief engineer.

Eng eventually became NYSDOT's executive deputy commissioner.