Frank Annicaro
Chief Executive Officer
Frank Annicaro joined CDTA in May 2025 as Chief Executive Officer. Annicaro most recently served as Senior Vice President of the New York City Transit Department of Buses for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). His division provided 55,000 daily passenger trips for more than 2 million passengers and his team oversaw more than 18,000 employees.
Before becoming Senior Vice President of the New York City Transit Department of Buses for MTA, Annicaro served as the Acting Vice President and Chief Maintenance Officer at MTA. He was responsible for the maintenance of 5,800 buses daily. Before that, he served as Chief Officer, Central Maintenance Facility and held several central maintenance facility operating positions at MTA.
Annicaro earned an Auto and Diesel Technology Degree from Lincoln Technical Institute. He also holds certificates in leadership from both Cornell University and New York University’s Stern School of Business. He was born and raised in New York.
Annicaro is married and has two children.
Christopher Desany
Chief Operating Officer
Chris Desany has been with CDTA since June 2007, bringing a strong background as a software architect with expertise in emerging technologies, software development management, and Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) frameworks.
As COO, Chris provides strategic and day-to-day oversight of all transit operations and budgeting. His areas of responsibility include transportation, maintenance training, labor management, information technology and cybersecurity, data analytics and operational performance, project management, planning and scheduling, procurement, facilities, train stations, and capital projects.
Chris also serves as the chief staff liaison to the Board of Directors' Strategic and Operational Planning Committee.
He holds AAS, BS, and MS degrees in computer science. Chris is a board member for the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross and lives in East Greenbush with his family.
Phone: (518) 437-8320
Email: chrisd@cdta.org
Jaime Kazlo
Chief of Staff
Jaime Kazlo is the Chief of Staff at CDTA and is responsible for the organizations' Board of Governance, internal and external communications, media relations, public relations, community engagement, and special events.
Before joining CDTA in 2014, Jaime served as the Regional Director of Communications for the American Red Cross of Northeastern NY in Albany and the Director of College Relations at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh. Before making the switch to public relations, Kazlo spent 10 years in television news as an anchor and reporter for the Capital News 9/YNN in Albany.
Kazlo lives in Clifton Park with her family.
Phone: (518) 437-6842
Email: JaimeK@cdta.org
Patricia Cooper
Chief Financial Officer
Patricia Cooper has been at CDTA since 2016. She has held the roles of Comptroller, Director of Finance, and now CFO. Cooper has prior experience in corporate accounting and as a controller of a global business.
As Chief Financial Officer, she leads the financial functions of the organization, including planning and performance, grant management, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and policy development. Her focus is on optimizing financial performance to support the organization's mission.
Cooper holds a BS in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPTA). She currently resides in Guilderland with her family.
Phone: (518) 437-8335
Email: PatriciaC@cdta.org
Amanda Avery
General Counsel
Amanda Avery has served as General Counsel for CDTA since 2008. Her diverse legal portfolio includes personal injury defense, labor and employment relations, human rights, contracts, compliance and ethics, and real estate law. Prior to joining CDTA, Amanda practiced law at Cooper, Erving & Savage LLP and Cahill, Gordon & Reindel LLP.
In addition to her work at CDTA, Amanda is actively involved in community service. She previously served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, the NYCLU Capital Region Chapter and Pierce Hall at The Children’s Place. She is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta, and the Justinian Society.
Amanda earned her law degree from Albany Law School and holds an undergraduate degree from Union College. She resides in Guilderland with her family.
Phone: (518) 437-8315
Email: amandaa@cdta.org
Last Updated: 10/29/2025