New York
TRF was founded in New York City in 1958, and the New York Chapter sponsored the establishment of a national organization in 1960. Now entering its seventh decade, the New York Chapter continues to hold monthly luncheon meetings. These feature speakers from government, industry, and academia, discussing projects, policies and issues related to freight and passenger transportation.
In December 1960, the first organized meeting of the American Transportation Research Forum was held in St. Louis, MO, sponsored by TRF-NY, which became the founding chapter. Other chapters followed in Washington, DC, Cleveland (Lake Erie), and Chicago. Additional chapters were organized in Philadelphia, New England, Northern California, and the Pacific Northwest. With the expansion of the organization into Canada, the name was shortened to the Transportation Research Forum.
NY Chapter luncheon meetings are still regularly held. These feature speakers from government, industry, and academia, discussing projects, policies and issues related to freight and passenger transportation.
Chapter Leadership
Contact: Paul Gessner – [email protected]
Position | Name | Affiliation |
President | David A. Boate | Gannett Fleming |
Executive Vice President | Peter D. Cohen | Rail Consultant |
Vice President – Programs | Ani S. Toncheva | Wilson Ihrig |
Vice President – Membership | John D. Dean | New Jersey Transit |
Secretary/Treasurer | Paul K. Gessner | Gessner Transportation Consulting LLC |
Council Members-at-Large
George M. Bulow, Interactive international
Allison L. C. deCerreno, MTA
Walter R. Ernst, AECOM
William A. Fife, The Fife Group
Mayer Horn, Professional Engineer
Kelvin L. MacKavanagh, Railroad Consulting
Scott I. Ornstein, MTA Metro North Railroad
Charles Samul, NY & Atlantic Railway
David M. Weiss, AECOM

Chapter Leadership
Contact: Paul Gessner – [email protected]
Position | Name | Affiliation |
President | David A. Boate | Gannett Fleming |
Executive Vice President | Peter D. Cohen | Rail Consultant |
Vice President – Programs | Ani S. Toncheva | Wilson Ihrig |
Vice President – Membership | John D. Dean | New Jersey Transit |
Secretary/Treasurer | Paul K. Gessner | Gessner Transportation Consulting LLC |
Council Members-at-Large
George M. Bulow, Interactive international
Allison L. C. deCerreno, MTA
Walter R. Ernst, AECOM
William A. Fife, The Fife Group
Mayer Horn, Professional Engineer
Kelvin L. MacKavanagh, Railroad Consulting
Scott I. Ornstein, MTA Metro North Railroad
Charles Samul, NY & Atlantic Railway
David M. Weiss, AECOM
Next Meeting…
Date: | September 16, 2022 |
Topic: | Two Transportation Projects That Can Change the Face of NYC |
Speakers: | Dr. Robert E. “Buz” Paaswell, DM, ASCE, Distinguished Professor Civil Engineering, City College of New York |
View Meeting Information |