We are proud to promote our many initiatives, news, and accomplishments. Many of which are stories about the outstanding people who work here. Our job is consistently communicating with and engaging the public and stakeholders through various platforms, including web-based, broadcast, social media, video, print, and community events. By incorporating industry best practices, we set a standard for communications on behalf of the NFTA and love what we do!
Helen Tederous
Director of Public Affairs, ext. 7425
I love everything about public transportation; being part of such an essential function in our community is thrilling, demanding, and rewarding all at the same time. I’m most proud of the people of the NFTA and all they do to keep Western New York moving!
Lisa Piecki
Manager, Community Relations & Internal Communications, ext. 7672
Lisa helps promote the Authority's brand through a variety of activities. Creating and disseminating content through various platforms is integral to her role. She is involved with developing highly-visible marketing campaigns and deploying internal communications authority-wide. She also plans and executes special events in support of ongoing NFTA and transportation initiatives. She enjoys working with others and building strong collaborations and effective partnerships inside the NFTA and out.
Gerald Rott
Manager, Creative Services, ext. 7632
Jerry started with the NFTA in 2023. He spent 10 years at WKBW/Ch.7 in various technical and news roles and 13 years at Buffalo Business First in both news and sales. As a Manager in the Creative Services department, Jerry plans, coordinates, and executes internal and external media campaigns. When you have a project that needs creative services help, Jerry is the point person to contact. He lives in Kenmore with his wife and three children, enjoys all the seasons WNY has to offer, and is often found outside with his family and dogs.
Kelly Khatib
Manager, Communications & Public Information Officer, ext. 7420
Kelly Khatib joined the NFTA in 2022 just in time for two historic snow storms! As the Communication Manager, she handles external relations with the media, local government officials, and community partners. Kelly did an excellent job with the promotion of several major NFTA campaigns including "Ride Nice", Fire and Police Recruitment, as well as the roll out of our new MetGo fare system. Kelly comes to us from the world of broadcast journalism, where she started as a news Assistant for Spectrum News One and worked her way up to Morning Reporter. Before that, she was the Digital Reporter/Producer for WIVB News 4.
Letia Worrell
Administrative Assistant, ext. 7210
Letia worked for a year as NFTA's File Clerk/Receptionist in Central Services before joining the Public Affairs Team as our Administrative Assistant. Tia is highly organized and does a fantastic job of keeping departmental projects moving. She has two children: a son, Delano, and a daughter, I’yanah. She also has three "fur baby" cats: Connor, Mia, and Milo.
Max Thayer
Web Application Developer, ext. 7625
Max maintains many of the Web-based services NFTA provides and is working to build new online solutions to meet the demands of our customers in an ever-evolving digital world. Max comes to us from NITTEC, where he did an outstanding job creating and maintaining active and informative Web applications. He resides in Kenmore with his wife and son. He enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and barbecuing from the smoker.
Caitlin Klein
Senior Design Specialist, ext. 7432
Caitlin started as a graphics intern, then became our first Social Media Specialist and (now) our Senior Design Specialist. In all roles, she has helped to communicate messages that engage the public and our customers creatively. To assist in recruitment efforts for Metro, she helped develop an innovative “Workforce Wednesday” campaign highlighting actual employees. The campaign significantly increased awareness of job opportunities at the NFTA and was honored with a first-place AdWheel Award by the American Public Transit Association. Caitlin also manages Metro schedule design, which is not easy, but she keeps everything on track. Outside work, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her husband and their two fur babies, Beau and Stella.
Dave Masi
Traffic Coordinator Media Specialist, ext. 7318
Dave has been the NFTA’s morning traffic reporter for several radio stations & first for Channel 7 Eyewitness News This Morning for 25+ years, and, since 2013, for Channel 2 News Daybreak. Dave provides live traffic reports & transit information on weekday mornings in exchange for television & radio advertising for Metro Bus & Rail. In 2014, he even won a New York State Emmy Award! In addition, he is the media buyer, working advertising deals on broadcast, print, & outdoor advertising for The Authority. Before joining the NFTA, Dave spent 17 years as a local air personality for several radio stations. In his spare time, Dave volunteers for several local charities & has been a volunteer director for five years for Team RWB Buffalo, the local branch of a worldwide Veteran service organization.
Caeley Robinson
Social Media, Digital Content Specialist, ext. 7483
Caeley started in our department as an intern while completing her MBA from Canisius College. She now works full-time with us, ensuring our social media pages are engaging and relevant. She always seeks content inspiration and creative new ideas to keep followers interested. Caeley encourages you to follow the NFTA on your preferred platform if you use social media. Metro content can be found @nftametro, and airport content can be found @bufairport. When not on social media, she loves spending time at the barn riding horses.
Steve Borowiec
Senior Artist/Designer, ext. 7332
Steve has been with the NFTA for 37 years. His expertise includes customized design and installation of graphics for various authority vehicles, including our TAPD cars and airport shuttles. He also creates display signage and materials for community events. Steve goes above and beyond to find workable solutions to represent the authority in the best way possible visually. And, if that isn’t enough, he is Vice President of Local 2028 International Longshoreman’s Association. He is also President and CEO of the MTC’s third-floor coffee club and does a great “java” with it!
Bill Burge
Print Shop Leader, ext. 7319
Bill oversees the print shop at the NFTA. He manages and monitors the flow of printed materials, including bus and rail schedules and customized forms. This is not an easy job. If you have ever seen the shop, you know what we mean. A lot is going on there. Bill has been with the Authority for 44 years and is an avid public transit user. He refers to Metro as his "second car," and would be lost without it. He is also a bona fide Metro-tasker.
Alexa Kaplan
Graphic Designer, ext. 7379
Alexa came to us as an Intern completing her Graphic Design degree from Buffalo State College. Earlier this year, she started her official career with NFTA as a part-time designer managing various artistic and creative projects. Alexa is well-regarded for multiple initiatives, including spearheading all the amazing designs and communications for Metro’s participation in the 2022 Puerto Rican and Hispanic festival. She has also helped update our branding and informational signage throughout the NFTA. Outside of work, Alexa enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time with her friends.
Jackie Andrade
Graphic Designer, ext. 7220
Jackie lives and breathes art. They came to us as an Intern while completing their BFA in graphic design from Buffalo State. Now that they’ve graduated, they’ve stuck around to keep our stations and webpages looking as good as possible while focusing on other complex marketing campaigns and business initiatives. They’re always looking for new and creative ways to bring more beauty into the world, especially in the form of animations and motion designs, in which they specialize. When they’re not at work, they create their art for one of their comics or other personal projects.