Senior Staff

Frank Annicaro
Chief Executive Officer

Frank Annicaro joined CDTA in May 2025 as Chief Executive Officer. Annicaro most recently served as Senior Vice President of the New York City Transit Department of Buses for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). His division provided 55,000 daily passenger trips for more than 2 million passengers and his team oversaw more than 18,000 employees. 

Before becoming Senior Vice President of the New York City Transit Department of Buses for MTA, Annicaro served as the Acting Vice President and Chief Maintenance Officer at MTA. He was responsible for the maintenance of 5,800 buses daily. Before that, he served as Chief Officer, Central Maintenance Facility and held several central maintenance facility operating positions at MTA.

Annicaro earned an Auto and Diesel Technology Degree from Lincoln Technical Institute. He also holds certificates in leadership from both Cornell University and New York University’s Stern School of Business. He was born and raised in New York. 

Annicaro is married and has two children. 

Christopher Desany
Vice President of Planning and Infrastructure

Chris Desany has been with CDTA since June 2007, bringing with him a strong background as a Software Architect with expertise in emerging technologies, software development management, and Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) frameworks.

At CDTA, Chris leads strategic and service planning across the entire service area. He oversees all technology initiatives, including Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), ERP and scheduling systems, infrastructure, performance measurement, and project management. In addition, he manages CDTA’s operating and administrative facilities, train stations, parking structures, and shelters.

Chris also serves as the Chief Staff Liaison to the Board of Directors' Strategic and Operational Planning Committee.

He holds AAS, BS, and MS degrees in Computer Science and lives in East Greenbush with his family.

Phone: (518) 437-8320
Email: chrisd@cdta.org

Lance Zarcone
Vice President of Operations

Lance Zarcone began his career at CDTA in 1996 as a cleaner in the Albany Division. Over the years, he has steadily advanced through the organization, holding key roles in both the Maintenance and Transportation departments. His journey includes positions as Mechanic, Foreman, Assistant Superintendent of Transportation, Director of Maintenance, and now, Vice President of Operations.

In his current role, Lance oversees CDTA’s Transportation and Maintenance departments. He is responsible for the upkeep and performance of a fleet of more than 300 vehicles, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and ready to serve customers every day.

Lance lives in Greenville with his family.

Phone: (518) 437-8353
Email: lzarcone@cdta.org
 

Amanda Avery
General Counsel

Amanda Avery has served as General Counsel for CDTA since 2008. Her diverse legal portfolio includes personal injury defense, labor and employment relations, human rights, contracts, compliance and ethics, and real estate law. Prior to joining CDTA, Amanda practiced law at Cooper Erving & Savage LLP and Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP.

In addition to her work at CDTA, Amanda is actively involved in community service. She currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless. Her previous board roles include the NYCLU Capital Region Chapter and Pierce Hall at The Children’s Place. She is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta, and the Justinian Society.

Amanda earned her law degree from Albany Law School and holds an undergraduate degree from Union College. She resides in Guilderland with her family.

Phone: (518) 437-8315
Email: amandaa@cdta.org