Jai Patel is the Co-Chief Financial Officer for the MTA. Patel is a seasoned financial professional, with over 20 years of experience supporting and leading the financial operations of state government agencies.
As Co-Chief Financial Officer at the MTA, Patel is responsible for overseeing the MTA’s multi-billion-dollar operating budget and collaboratively manages several finance functions including the Controller, Management & Budget, Financial Services, Finance Operations, and Risk & Insurance Management. She oversees development of the MTA’s financial plans, ensures responsible debt service management, and manages treasury functions and insurance coverage.
Prior to joining the MTA, Patel worked at NJ Transit, starting as the Director of Budget Development and working up to Acting Chief Financial Officer. In that role, she developed, implemented, and monitored the agency’s operating and capital budgets, and coordinated with external partners on some of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects such as Portal North Bridge and Penn Station renewal. Patel began her career in public service at the New Jersey Department of Treasury, where she supported the state’s annual budget process.
Patel holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Finance from Rutgers University.