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Learn More
View Full Profile
Projects
Explore some of Jeff's latest developments.
Tracking Tracks
Check Jeff's progress on riding every route mile of every major rail-based transportation system.
Speaking Engagements
Find some of Jeff's latest talks.
Contact
Get in touch.
Jeff Kessler
For more than a decade, Jeff Kessler has led organizations to adopt technological changes and implement process improvements to advance their businesses and delight their customers… even in highly-regulated sectors. As a systems optimizer with a passion for the transportation industry, his unparalleled work and board experience spans the public and private sides of every major transit network in the Northeast (Amtrak, WMATA, SEPTA, MTA NYCT, MBTA CR).
Jeff currently serves as the Director of Innovation at Keolis Commuter Services — the “catalyst of change” (as coined by his boss) for the Boston-based subsidiary of global mobility provider Keolis — where he’s charged with leading the Innovation Office to solicit ideas, deliver process improvements, implement best practices, benchmark operations, and lead strategic network transformation across the MBTA Commuter Rail’s 480-mile network throughout Greater Boston.
In this role, Jeff oversees scheduling system enhancements, revenue collection technologies, open data standards, fare policy, targeted capital investments, service increases, collaborative partnerships, and more.
His work has been recognized numerous times, including having been named to the International Railway Journal’s 2025 Young Rail Leader’s list, MassTransit Magazine’s signature 40 Under 40 list in 2023, and having earned the Jack R. Gilstrap Award from the American Public Transit Foundation in 2017, several of the industry’s highest honors.
Jeff holds four degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: a BSE and MSE in Systems Engineering, a BS Economics from The Wharton School’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T), and a Regulatory & Technology Law Master in Law from Penn Law.
He serves on several industry forums with appointments through APTA, TRB, and TODS/MobilityData; volunteers on multiple transportation advisory boards; and organizes annual industry transportation “unconferences” in both New England and Philadelphia. Previously, he served in leadership roles of the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council and Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT) Mid-Atlantic Region.
Current Endeavors
Keolis Commuter Services
Director of Innovation
Lead the Innovation Office’s team of 10 to improve operational processes, oversee network transformation initiatives, and implement best practices across the network. (Member of the Senior Leadership team, reporting to the VP Marketing, Revenue, & Innovation / Service Delivery.)
✓ Launched contactless ticket sales onboard Commuter Rail trains with $0 hardware spend by leveraging native iOS Tap to Pay on iPhone functionality.
✓ Deployed the network’s first operational use of generative AI in reporting and VR-based crew training.
✓ Lead the cross-functional system analysis team tasked with identifying and evaluating service expansion opportunities for current and prospective Keolis Rail operations, including World Cup service planning, strategic capital investment prioritization, conceptual schedule development, new fleet / electrification service alignment, and service simulation.
✓ Facilitated the network’s first scheduling partnerships with Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), TMAs, and ferry operations to support regional interconnectivity.
✓ Changed the paradigm in operational content by republishing rules and maps with changes >30x as frequently, and built the first automated system for exchanging content across NEC operators.
✓ Oversaw customer experience testing and system configuration for the South Coast Rail expansion.
✓ Cultivated an extensive Innovation Intern talent pipeline, forming a program that annually recruits the industry’s foremost students passionate about working in the rail/transit/mobility space.
✓ Championed the Transit Operational Data Standard (TODS) development and implementation both at Keolis, at railroads, and across the broader industry.
✓ Showcase advancements from Innovation Initiatives as a regular speaker in operating practice digitization, open data, revenue collection technology, fare policy, scheduling systems, strategic capital investment, and system integrations.
TransportationCamp PHL & NE
Founding Co-Chair, PHL
TransportationCamp “unconferences” have enabled industry professionals and passionate hobbyists to connect over transportation, technology, and urbanism in partnership with YPT, WTS, ITE, and more.
✓ Co-founded and launched the PHL incarnation of the industry’s most dynamic conference format, which has hosted more events than any other TransportationCamp locale.
✓ Led the pivot to host the world’s first virtual transportation conference in the wake of the pandemic, and consulted with more than a dozen other organizations to facilitate successful virtual conference techniques/strategies.
✓ Expanded the event to a second-annual summer exploration/networking event; and after nearly a decade of leading the main “unconference,” continue to sustain the event while guiding the next generation of leaders.
✓ Support TransportationCamp events globally, collaborating with leaders in other cities and overseeing transportationcamp.org.
Organizer, New England
Organized the revival of TransportationCamp New England following a multi-year hiatus, with the unconference’s 2023 return and support subsequent annual events.
Visit https://transportationcamp.org/ for details.
Delaware River Port Authority CAC
Emeritus Member
Provide industry knowledge and expertise to the official independent advisory board of the Delaware River Port Authority.
✓ Consulted on enhancements to GTFS data during pandemic closures and temporary trackwork changes.
✓ Successfully pressed the organization to dynamically distribute updated schedule data and display on digital station signage.
Organizations & Memberships
TRB AP017 Standing Committee on Transit Data & Emerging Technologies Member
Part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, appointed to the Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee charged with identifying research needs and sharing applicable findings .
APTA Data Standards & Utilization Subgroup Chair
Part of the APTA Standards program, lead the subgroup (under the Revenue & Data Working Group) responsible for advancing materials on the adoption of data standards within transit operations.
Transit Operational Data Standard (TODS) Board Member
Serve as a member of the Board of Directors overseeing development and governance of the TODS Data Standard.
Select Recognitions
International Railway Journal Young Rail Leader Honoree, 2025
Selected to International Railway Journal’s inaugural cohort of young leaders in the rail industry.
Mass Transit 40 Under 40 Honoree, 2023
Named to Mass Transit’s 2023 40 Under 40 list, honoring professionals who have made significant contributions to the public transit industry.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Jack R. Gilstrap Scholarship, 2016
APTF’s Highest Award in Public Transportation
Past Experience
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Experience Across the Corridor
SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority)
✔ Authored report and developed LINDO optimization model proposing 35 initiatives designed through field work, observation, market research, social media, historical records, and external agency collaboration.
✔ Oversaw multiple focus groups, analyzed results, and evaluated surveys to assess initiative performance.
✔ Administered and hosted more than 15 SEPTA Customer Connection events at various area destinations.
Keolis Commuter Services (Operator of the MBTA Commuter Rail)
SEPTA YAC
✔ Analyze $1.36B Operating Budget, $534.5M Capital Budget, $6.8B Capital Program, and Annual Service Plan
✔ Formulate Reports on Operational Improvements and Present Findings to Board of Directors and Executive Staff
✔ Responsible for bringing a “U-Pass” Discounted Student Fare Program to students in the Greater Philadelphia Region
MTA New York City Transit
✔ Assembled Plus/Delta evaluation through field surveys and 7 self-conducted interdepartmental focus groups
✔ Restructured training model, leading to a unitary increase in both training and platform satisfaction
WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)
✔ Created WiFi Portal, built App Gallery, helped transition Metro to new website, led two developer events
✔ Analyzed and proposed improvements to rail/bus operating centers, next train prediction algorithms, incident monitoring/response, service disruption operational regularity, and customer experience/communication
Amtrak
✔ Supported designing of track structures and curve layouts; tracked Acela train on-time-performance.
Delaware River Port Authority
✔ Youngest member by more than 10 years; Appointment Overseen by Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley
Keolis Commuter Services (MBTA Commuter Rail Operator)
Director of Innovation, Since February 2024
Keolis Commuter Services
Director of Service Delivery Innovation, 5/21-2/24
Keolis Commuter Services
Sr. Application Specialist – Service Delivery, 1/19-5/21
Keolis Commuter Services
Application Specialist – Service Delivery, 6/18-12/18
Keolis Commuter Services
Application Specialist – Passenger Services, 9/17-6/18
SEPTA Youth Advisory Council
Four Terms as Executive Chair (2013-2017); Member 3/13-9/17
Delaware River Port Authority
Citizens Advisory Committee Emeritus Member (Fmr. Appointment 12/14-8/17; Transit Co-Chair, Recording Secretary)
WMATA
Digital Customer Experience Initiatives, Summer 2016
MTA New York City Transit
System Data & Research (SDR), Summer 2015
SEPTA
Customer Development & Improvement Special Projects, Summer 2014
The Transit Navigator
Founded 2012
Amtrak
Engineering Department, September 2010 – May 2011
Keolis Commuter Services
MBTA Commuter Rail Operator, Boston, MA
Director of Innovation (February 2024 – Present)
Lead the Innovation Office’s team of 10 to improve operational processes, oversee network transformation initiatives, and implement best practices across the network. (Member of the Senior Leadership team, reporting to the VP Marketing, Revenue, & Innovation / Service Delivery.)
✓ Launched contactless ticket sales onboard Commuter Rail trains with $0 hardware spend by leveraging native iOS Tap to Pay on iPhone functionality.
✓ Deployed the network’s first operational use of generative AI in reporting and VR-based crew training.
✓ Lead the cross-functional system analysis team tasked with identifying and evaluating service expansion opportunities for current and prospective Keolis Rail operations, including World Cup service planning, strategic capital investment prioritization, conceptual schedule development, new fleet / electrification service alignment, and service simulation.
✓ Facilitated the network’s first scheduling partnerships with Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), TMAs, and ferry operations to support regional interconnectivity.
✓ Changed the paradigm in operational content by republishing rules and maps with changes >30x as frequently, and built the first automated system for exchanging content across NEC operators.
✓ Oversaw customer experience testing and system configuration for the South Coast Rail expansion.
✓ Cultivated an extensive Innovation Intern talent pipeline, forming a program that annually recruits the industry’s foremost students passionate about working in the rail/transit/mobility space.
✓ Championed the Transit Operational Data Standard (TODS) development and implementation both at Keolis, at railroads, and across the broader industry.
✓ Showcase advancements from Innovation Initiatives as a regular speaker in operating practice digitization, open data, revenue collection technology, fare policy, scheduling systems, strategic capital investment, and system integrations.
Director of Service Delivery Innovation (May 2021 – February 2024)
Led the organization’s innovation initiatives and cross-functional Innovation Team to improve processes, leverage technology, adopt industry best-practices, and infuse a culture of innovation across the railroad. (Member of the Senior Leadership team, reporting to the VP Service Delivery.)
✓ Led Keolis to become the nation’s first passenger railroad to fully digitize operating rule and bulletin distribution, saving >$200k/year, and improving safety-sensitive material compliance via an on-time and on-budget rollout of the Comply365 EFB platform to 1200 unionized employees; negotiated terms and secured approval for expanding and delivering deployment to our partner operation of Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and connecting Class II/III railroads.
✓ Led creation of the nation’s first timetable-integrated dynamic seat availability metrics, with APIs for third-party developer access.
✓ Conceptualized and brought-to-market the industry’s first open architecture ticket verification solution (BVS), enabling fare gate verification across ticket platforms via reduced-cost optical barcodes.
✓ Digitized the job bidding and vacation selection process for 650 train crew members, reducing the time needed to conduct a bid and insourcing bid/vacation management.
✓ Successfully petitioned the FRA to permit crew reporting of safety hazards via tablet-based cameras.
✓ Implemented new diesel engine terminal idling reporting to flag items for investigation & EPA reporting.
✓ Effected a train crew line manager program with clear identification of managerial assignments and metric grouping for accountability.
✓ Empowered crew members to interact with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals through the approval and deployment of translation tools to front-line staff.
✓ Led the organization’s implementation of Rules-Based Scheduling to expand and optimize service while improving operating efficiency, resilience, asset/crew utilization, and ensuring crewmember quality-of-life.
Senior Application Specialist — Service Delivery (January 2019 – May 2021)
Crafted the Railroad of Tomorrow’s operational & customer experience support systems through the advancement of technology, automation, and data utilization across the MBTA Commuter Rail’s value chain.
✓ Transformed the Operations Planning business practice to (1) centralize schedule data, (2) publish operational manuscripts, (3) preemptively coordinate schedule changes with foreign railroads, (4) resolve schedule conflicts via simulations, (5) enhance customer-facing GTFS data, (6) identify trackwork-driven job changes, and (7) electronically manage employee certification/ qualification records, by establishing new partnerships & leading design/implementation of in-house software packages atop existing COTS platforms.
✓ Oversaw the organization’s contractual performance management system and interpreted legal requirements for system adoption, having a multimillion-dollar impact on our operation’s management, client service, and contract compliance.
✓ Unified disparate Transportation GPS references by building the organization’s first multi-platform location inventory.
✓ Oversaw all SDLC lifecycle components (including ideation, functional requirement creation, prototyping, development, implementation, integration, and change management) of existing and emerging platforms, including HASTUS Crew/Operations, RTC, Fare Gates, TRMS Performance, Dispatch Integration, AVL, Everbridge, and Keolis Incident & Communication systems.
Application Specialist — Service Delivery (June 2018 – January 2019)
Responsible for using technology to streamline workflows, enhance operational practices, and deliver better performance on the MBTA Commuter Rail system.
(Accomplishments highlighted above alongside Sr. Application Specialist – Service Delivery role.)
Application Specialist — Passenger Services (September 2017 – June 2018)
Responsible for using technology to augment the MBTA Commuter Rail System through both internal and customer-facing initiatives.
✓ Slashed the real-time data refresh rate in half, providing customers with more accurate and timely prediction information.
✓ Led the industry in using a mobile app solution and public GTFS data to identify service changes during winter snow operations.
✓ Enabled easy validation of trip data and computation of schedule metrics by building a comprehensive GTFS tool package.
✓ Enhanced the customer experience and implemented the organizational vision of a “single version of the truth” for passenger info by developing GTFS-RT mobile app notification rules and creating next-generation digital signage functional requirements and digital messaging logic.
✓ Managed CAD/AVL, real-time train location/prediction systems, terminal/outlying departure boards, onboard announcements, Keolis smartphone apps, and commuter rail GTFS data.
Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) / PATCO
Camden, NJ / Philadelphia, PA
Emeritus Member, Citizens Advisory Committee (September 2017 – Present)
Provide industry knowledge and expertise to the official independent advisory board of the Delaware River Port Authority.
✓ Consulted on enhancements to GTFS data during pandemic closures and temporary trackwork changes.
✓ Successfully pressed the organization to dynamically distribute updated schedule data and display on digital station signage.
Transit Committee Co-Chair, Recording Secretary; Citizens Advisory Committee (December 2014 – November 2017)
Confirmed by DRPA Board and PA Lieutenant Governor to a 3-year appointment as Transit Committee Co-Chair & Recording Secretary.
✓ Collaborative efforts led to enhanced digital signage, station Wi-Fi and underground cellular service, charging station installations, and revised Owl service.
✓ Reviewed Board Financials and operating plans to ensure alignment with the needs of PATCO riders.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
Philadelphia, PA
Executive Chair, SEPTA Youth Advisory Council (March 2013 - September 2017)
Charged with leading the 20-member team dedicated to connecting SEPTA Executives and the future of SEPTA’s ridership.
✓ Audited SEPTA real-time location data, leading SEPTA to invest in enhanced communication technologies and enabling quantifiable improvements in data quality and accuracy.
✓ Created the most successful web survey in SEPTA history (garnering an “unprecedented response”), collecting insight into college student usage of transit systems and rideshare apps in addition to enabling the computation of SEPTA’s college student revenue and ridership contributions.
✓ Galvanized SEPTA Leadership to meet with regional university stakeholders and develop a discounted student fare program to improve access and monetize unused capacity on the system.
✓ Documented the YAC’s goals and progress in a public Annual Operating Plan and Annual Report open for public comment and published on the organization’s website.
✓ Formed the organization into an official independent legal entity with EIN, nonprofit exemption, financial statements, and other requisite documents.
✓ Designed the organization’s first independent website, providing an ideal platform for outreach to the constituent demographic and garnering acclaim from SEPTA’s General Management team (ultimately helping shape the future of SEPTA’s web development).
✓ Developed the first YAC branding and identity plan to distinguish the organization through an independent but integrated logo, constituency-focused outreach materials (e.g. college specific transit brochures), and board member shirts and branded banners for volunteer events.
✓ Promoted regional transit-accessible destinations and SEPTA Accessibility by developing the “SEPTAdventures” marketing campaign.
✓ Coordinated countless community outreach events including over 100 college outreach events, multiple SEPTA Control Center tours, and a flagship event on Global Youth Service Day focusing on specialized transit services for those with special needs.
Customer Development & Improvement Special Projects Intern (Summer 2014)
✓ Delivered a comprehensive report proposing 31 actionable changes to enhance the SEPTA customer experience with minimal expense from capital funds.
✓ Analyzed survey and focus group data to assess customer satisfaction of SEPTA’s overnight subway service pilot and the implementation of various SEPTA loyalty programs.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Washington, DC
CSCM Digital Customer Experience Initiatives Intern (Summer 2016)
Served on the GM/CEO’s Customer Experience Improvement action team to deliver change during the agency’s rebuilding process.
✓ Automated the creation of Metro’s Daily Service Reports, keeping the public informed while saving over three weeks of labor-hours per year.
✓ Conducted live ridership diversion analyses throughout emergency maintenance “surges,” enabling senior management and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) personnel to harness real-time ridership data to analyze and redirect operational and informational resources.
✓ Enhanced app-based offerings with zero agency spend by leveraging public interest in community development through the creation of an app gallery, formation of a Metro Developer web community, and the hosting of Metro’s first Developer Connection event.
✓ Proposed organizational improvements and real-time dashboard tools to streamline business practices and improve situational awareness in both the Bus and Rail Operation Control Centers (BOCC/ROCC).
✓ Assisted in the agency’s migration to a new responsive website featuring quick access to trip planning, upcoming vehicle arrivals, and visitor information for Washington’s popular tourism sites.
MTA New York City Transit
New York City, NY
System Data & Research Intern (Summer 2015)
✓ Identified a need for a more user-friendly business intelligence platform in the NYCT System Data & Research Unit; proposed, formed, and directed “ORCA Select” team as Project Manager to establish a new tool for interfacing with the agency’s plethora of data.
✓ Increased Operations Research Computation Analysis (ORCA) Business Intelligence tool satisfaction by 38% by prototyping, developing, and launching the beta of what has grown to be a fully-staffed tool still in use by the organization today.
✓ Drove a 51% increase in training engagement by implementing user feedback and leveraging the resultant data to overhaul the department’s training practices.
The Transit Navigator
Greater Philadelphia
Founder (September 2011 – April 2013)
✓ Developed, launched, and maintained website and location-based trip guides to simplify public transit information.
✓ Attained >130k collective tip views and garnered more than 4,000 “likes.”
Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.)
Philadelphia, PA
Engineering Department Intern (September 2010 – May 2011)
✓ Advised CETC (Train Management) Quality Control Team, Dispatch, and assisted in NE Corridor Routing.
✓ Supported designing of track structures and curve layouts; tracked Acela train on-time-performance.
Background
Systems Engineering
Nothing we encounter functions in isolation; rather, everything is a set of components with complex interdependencies. Systems engineering applies engineering methodologies, optimization techniques, and sensitivity analyses to improve all types of systems.
Behavioral Economics
Why do optimized systems often fail? They often make incorrect assumptions about human behavior and rationality. Behavioral Economics provides a toolkit for analyzing decisions, optimizing systems, and developing creative solutions in light of known cognitive biases and decision processing.
Business & Management
Every system we encounter is only as strong as the people and organizational structures in which it operates. Understanding best practices in management, along having a solid financial acumen, is critical to robust decision-making.
Policy & Law
Sometimes the most critically-overlooked component of decision-making is that of policy and legal implications. Knowing how to design and build systems within a complex regulatory environment along with an understanding of effective policy crafting is required for modern success.
Graduate & Undergraduate Education
Undergrad — Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology
Concurrently pursued degrees from Wharton and Penn Engineering in UPenn’s oldest coordinated dual degree program.
Positions: M&T Program Student Board, Penn Transit Advisory Board, Robotics Program Teaching Assistant
Masters — University of Pennsylvania
First student to pursue an interdisciplinary program in Engineering and Law / Technology Policy.
Positions: Penn Transit Advisory Board, Electrical & Systems Engineering Senior Design TA
The Wharton School
Bachelor of Science in Economics
Concentration in Behavioral Economics
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Major in Systems Science & Engineering
Minor in Mathematics
Penn Law
Master in Law
Regulatory & Technology Law Track
Master of Science in Engineering
Major in Systems Engineering
Focus in Transportation System
In the past…
Conference Organization
TransportationCamp New England
Organizing Committee Member (2023-Present)
TransportationCamp PHL
Founding Co-Chair (2018-Present)
EduCon Conference
“EduConcierge” Founder | Chief Process Engineer | Alumni Consultant | 2008-2017
The Franklin Institute
Galileo Conference | Workshop Design | 2008-2012
Philly Tech Week
Philadelphia Science Festival
Previous Education & Specialized Programs
MIT Sloan Executive Education
Building, Leading, and Sustaining the Innovative Organization
Wharton Executive Education
Driving Strategic Innovation: Leading Complex Initiatives for Impact
Science Leadership Academy
High Scool
Long Island School for the Gifted
Middle School
Rail Transportation Program
Dolan DNA Learning Center
Volunteer Organizations
Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT)
Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, 2021-2023
Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver Field Safety Volunteer
Penn For Youth Debate
Former Tournament Director, Website Manager, Executive Board Member, & Coach
M&T Student Board
Former Webmaster, Communications Chair, & Alumni Advisor
Fantastic Friends Social Group
Former Volunteer Staff Member & Web Integration Director
Teaching & Speaking
"Jeff's Python Class"
Fundamentals of Python plus AI-driven scripting, Keolis Commuter Services
Electrical & Systems Engineering Senior Design
Robotics in The Classroom
Technical Skills/Training
Python
Extensive Knowledge
Excel (w/ Optimization Tools)
R
Matlab
Project Management
Trained in Best Practice Project Management
Cognitive Task Analysis / Human Factors
WordPress
Extensive Knowledge; More than a dozen successful deployments
Recognitions
Richard K. Dentel Award
Norman Gross Award, 2016
for Excellence in Systems Design
American Mensa
Johns Hopkins CTY
Visual-Spatial Ability National High Honors Award
