Maine Turnpike Authority Announces New Chief Operating Officer and Chief Engineer as Part of Long-Term Leadership Succession Plan
Portland, Maine — Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) is pleased to announce a major leadership transition and the implementation of the second and final phase of the Authority’s C‑Suite restructuring plan. This strategic update supports long-term organizational stability, succession planning, and targeted mission growth in the years ahead.
The restructuring comes as long-serving Chief Operating Officer (COO) Peter Merfeld prepares for his retirement in May. Merfeld leaves an enduring legacy at MTA, and his departure marks a significant moment for the agency. As part of this transition, the Maine Turnpike Authority is proud to announce the following leadership appointments:
John Cannell Named Chief Operating Officer MTA has appointed John Cannell as its new Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Cannell will oversee Highway Maintenance, Equipment Maintenance, and Public Safety & Motorist Services. In this role, he will lead one of MTA’s most significant initiatives: the multi-year service plaza upgrade and remodeling project—an expansive and high-visibility effort that will reshape the traveler experience for Mainers and the millions who use the turnpike each year. Cannell joined the Maine Turnpike Authority in 2015 and brings more than 25 years of transportation and operations leadership experience. Prior to joining MTA, he spent 15 years with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), serving in several key roles, including Southern Region Manager, Fleet Manager, and Building Manager. He is a 1995 graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in civil engineering.
Kristi Van Ooyen Named Chief Engineer MTA has elevated the Chief Engineer position to the C‑Suite level and has appointed Kristi Van Ooyen as its new Chief Engineer. In her expanded leadership role, she will oversee Engineering, Building Maintenance, and the future Metrics & Data Analytics directorates- departments critical to maintaining a safe, modern, and resilient transportation system for Maine.
Joining MTA in 2011, Ms. Van Ooyen previously served as Deputy Chief Engineer and Engineering Program Manager, contributing significantly to the advancement of the Authority’s engineering initiatives and operational excellence. Before her tenure at MTA, she spent 11 years with the Nebraska Department of Transportation in the Bridge and Construction Divisions. During that time, she specialized in bridge design, load ratings, and supervised the construction of numerous state bridges, gaining extensive, hands‑on experience in transportation infrastructure development.
She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska, as well as an MBA from the University of Maine—providing a strong combination of technical depth, leadership capability, and strategic management expertise. With these appointments, MTA’s senior leadership team—including CFO John Sirois and CAO Erin Sullivan—is well-positioned to support the Authority’s mission and deliver meaningful improvements for Maine’s transportation infrastructure and the driving public. “MTA is entering an important period of modernization and long-term planning, and our focus remains firmly on the safety of the traveling public and on delivering dependable transportation infrastructure for the people of Maine,” said Executive Director Andre Briere. “John and Kristi bring exceptional experience, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public service. Their leadership will strengthen our ability to maintain the safest interstate in Maine, support Maine’s communities and economy, and ensure the Turnpike continues to serve Maine residents and visitors reliably for many years to come.”
