Madeleine McDonnell serves as the Chief of Strategy and Operations and Acting Chief of Public Affairs at the Gateway Development Commission (GDC), where she directs strategic initiatives, organizational operations, and all public communications for the historic bi-state agency. In this role, she plays a vital part in delivering the Hudson Tunnel Project, the nation’s most critical infrastructure development. Ms. McDonnell has previously served as the agency’s Chief of Staff and Policy Advisor, helping build its core organizational framework and secure historic federal funding commitments.

Prior to her work at GDC, Ms. McDonnell spent eight years at the New York City Department of Transportation, culminating in her role as Chief of Staff from 2019 to 2022. During her tenure, she was a chief liaison with City Hall, partner agencies, and other regional stakeholders. Ms. McDonnell shepherded through key agency initiatives and street improvement projects, including Vision Zero, bus and bike lane expansions, and new mobility pilots in addition to employee professional development programs.

Ms. McDonnell holds a Master of Public Administration from the NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University.

The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) is a bi-state public authority managing the largest infrastructure initiative in the United States: the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project. Operating as a partnership between New York, New Jersey, and Amtrak, GDC is tasked with overseeing the funding, planning, and construction of critical rail improvements along the Northeast Corridor.