Kelli Coughlin

About Kelli Coughlin

Experienced and leadership-driven labor relations executive in the railroad industry with a proven effectiveness for achieving strong corporate and policy objectives. Skilled management advisor, negotiator, writer and legal advocate with demonstrated success to ensure efficiency, productivity and compliance in critical business areas. Recipient of the 2016 Metro-North Railroad President’s Award and 2021 Top 40 under 40 in labor relations by City & State NY.

Experience

1. Senior Deputy Chief, Labor Relations - Railroad Operations

   Metropolitan Transportation Authority

   Dec 2024 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Plan, recommend, and implement labor policy for LIRR and Metro-North. Collaborate with the General Counsels and executive staff on contracts implementation and the development of labor strategies to advance the agencies\' goals. Oversee and direct major labor arbitrations and litigations. Represent the agencies in Labor Relations matters that involve external agencies, such as the National Railroad Adjustment Board, Public Law Boards, or Special Boards of Adjustment.Serve on the Executive Leadership Team for both RR\'s and act as chief advisor to the Presidents and the ELT on all labor-management issues.Participate in the determination of major policy decisions.Advise senior management on the proper application of labor agreements.Develop strategies and prepare for labor contract negotiations with the Agency Presidents, Chairman, Department Heads and MTA HQ. Attend high-profile arbitration hearings, review labor relations actions and collaboration with unions. Develop short- and long-term strategic plans with operating departments to achieve optimal benefits and savings from contract negotiations.Provide oversight, direction, coordination, and supervision to the labor team at both railroads, to implement policy associated with all disciplinary processes including suspensions, demotions, terminations, probationary reviews, as well as train field directors in effective dispute resolution techniques, contract grievance resolution and the consistent application of progressive discipline.Responsible for oversight of both Railroads\' disciplinary program to ensure the fair and consistent application of its rules and policies across the various departmentsExecute special assignments and initiatives in areas of expertise as directed by the Chairman, Board Members, or the Presidents.

Education

• Syracuse University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, International Relations and Spanish (Anthropology Minor)

  2005 — 2009

• New York Law School

  Juris Doctor (J.D.)

  2010 — 2013

Skills

• Railroad Law
• Interviewing
• Criminal Law
• Federal Employment Law
• Traditional Labor Law
• Legal Research
• Employment Law
• Collective Bargaining
• Public Policy
• Contract Writing
• Employee Relations
• Legal Advice
• Appeals
• Training & Development
• Administration
• Human Resources
• Legal Issues
• Arbitration
• Legal Writing
• Labor Relations
• Hearings
• Negotiation