After ten years at the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Kate Slevin is leaving the organization to join the New York City Department of Transportation.

The organization’s board of directors has appointed Veronica Vanterpool as the next executive director.

“Kate’s leadership, intelligence, and vision has been central to TSTC’s growth and success as the region’s leading voice for smart, sustainable transportation,” said Rich Kassel, TSTC board chair and senior vice president at Gladstein, Neandross & Associates. “We wish her the best at DOT, and know that TSTC’s loss is the City’s gain. We now welcome Veronica Vanterpool as TSTC’s executive director, and are confident that Veronica’s own sense of vision and experience will lead TSTC into its next period of organizational growth and political success in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.”

Starting June 25, Slevin will serve as Assistant Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs under the leadership of New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. Her duties will include serving as the department’s liaison with the New York City Council, New York State Legislature, and other city agencies.

“It has been inspiring to watch New York City’s streets become safer and the city more livable under Commissioner Sadik-Khan’s leadership,” said Kate Slevin. “NYC DOT is now seen as an international leader in sustainable transportation policy. I’m incredibly honored to join the Commissioner and her impressive team.”

“At the same time, I have no doubt that the Tri-State Transportation Campaign will thrive under Veronica Vanterpool’s leadership,” Slevin continued. “As a close colleague of Veronica, I know she has the energy, intelligence, and vision necessary for the job.”

Vanterpool has been at the organization since 2007, serving as associate director since 2008. She has worked closely with Slevin to expand the organization’s presence, reach, and advocacy.

Slevin joined TSTC as communications coordinator in 2002, moving to associate director in 2003 and executive director in 2007. Under Slevin’s leadership, TSTC has added four staff positions and broadened its coverage area. The organization has won meaningful victories for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders including passage of “complete streets” legislation in two states and the creation of grant programs that help municipalities develop near transit hubs. In 2011, TSTC was awarded an Environmental Quality Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency highlighting the organization’s role in reducing automobile dependency and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Tri-State Transportation Campaign has flourished under Kate’s leadership. She further strengthened the organization’s reputation as a pragmatic, rational, balanced watchdog policy organization throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut—a reputation sown by her predecessors,” says Vanterpool. “Her sharp insight, sound guidance, and invaluable wisdom will be missed.”

Before joining TSTC, Slevin worked at New York City Parks Department, New York University, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Slevin thanked TSTC’s present and former staff and board of directors, her colleagues throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and the philanthropic partners that make TSTC’s work possible.

“I’ve learned a tremendous amount from my colleagues and advocacy friends over the years,” said Slevin. “I am thankful for the experience and look forward to working with many of the same people toward a greener and more equitable transportation network.”