Centro’s new CEO knows the feel of the driver’s seat

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The man who now leads Centro has operated buses during special events amid the current bus-driver shortage. Christopher Tuff obtained his commercial driver’s license (CDL) in 2017, and like other Centro drivers, attends regular training and safety programs. Centro says Tuff was driving one of the buses during the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ concert at the JMA Wireless Dome in April 2023. “This provides Tuff with a unique perspective of what Centro drivers face in providing safe, quality service and connects him with bus riders,” the Authority said in its June 3 announcement about Tuff’s selection as the new CEO. Centro’s board of members appointed Tuff to lead the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) and its subsidiary organizations.

Tuff assumes the role of CEO after serving during the past four and a half years as Centro’s deputy CEO. During that time, he oversaw the successful launch of Centro’s service in Cortland County, the first expansion of services in 20 years. Tuff succeeds Brian Schultz in the CEO role. Schultz went on leave in October 2023 due to health issues and eventually informed the Authority his health wouldn’t allow him to return. “When we began our search for a new CEO, the Board of Members promised to find a leader who exemplifies the organization’s values and appreciates the importance of public transportation in a service area like ours,” Nicholas Laino, chairman of the Centro board, said in the announcement. “We have someone who has demonstrated his ability to lead this organization with accountability and transparency. Someone who lives the values Centro prioritizes. Someone who is ready to transform Central New York’s transportation landscape through the arrival of Micron and removal of Interstate 81. That leader is Christopher Tuff.” Tuff began his career at Centro in 2007 in the Authority’s accounting department. He left the organization for eight years, working as an auditor for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Tuff returned to Centro in 2016 and “steadily rose through the ranks,” holding the positions of VP of administration, director of operations, and director of subsidiary operations. Tuff was chosen after a nearly 18-month nationwide search conducted by TransPro Consulting, a transportation industry search firm. After an initial candidate pool was gathered, the Authority considered nine candidates from seven states and determined Tuff was the best suited for the position due to his track record, connection with the community, and dedication to public transportation. “Christopher has what it takes to lead Centro and execute the Authority’s forward-looking policies,” Laino added. “He gets what makes our drivers come to work every day and why riders choose Centro.”