E-J Electric CEO Honored for Powering NYC's Transit Transformation

NEW YORK, NY – April 08, 2026 – Anthony Mann, the chief executive officer of E-J Electric Installation Co., has been named to City & State New York's 2026 Trailblazers in Transportation list, an annual recognition of the influential leaders shaping the future of the state's vast and complex infrastructure.

The honor places Mann among a distinguished group of government officials, industry executives, and advocates recognized for driving innovation and improving mobility across New York. For Mann, the award highlights a career spent at the helm of a 127-year-old family-led company that has become synonymous with powering the city's most critical systems.

City & State New York's Trailblazers lists are noted for identifying key figures whose work is pivotal to the state's progress. The selection underscores the essential, though often invisible, role that specialized electrical contracting plays in the successful execution of multibillion-dollar public works, from subterranean subway tunnels to sprawling airport terminals.

A Third-Generation Leader Continuing a 127-Year Legacy

At the core of this recognition is a story of generational continuity. As a third-generation leader, Anthony Mann continues a legacy that began in 1899, growing E-J Electric Installation Co. from a local contractor into a national powerhouse with over 4,000 employees and the capacity to manage projects valued at over $300 million. The company's history is deeply interwoven with the development of New York City itself, having provided the electrical backbone for countless landmarks and infrastructure systems over more than a century.

This deep-rooted history provides a unique foundation for modern innovation. While the technology has evolved from simple wiring to complex digital control systems, the fundamental mission of providing reliable power remains. Under Mann's leadership, the company has navigated the transition, blending time-tested expertise with cutting-edge solutions. The press release from E-J Electric noted that Mann is "continuing a legacy of powering New York City's critical infrastructure," a statement that reflects a long-term commitment to the city's vitality.

This blend of tradition and forward-thinking has enabled the firm to secure its position as a trusted partner for public agencies like the MTA and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which are tasked with modernizing the region's aging infrastructure. The company's ability to execute complex work on time and within challenging urban environments is a testament to an organizational culture built across generations.

Powering Progress: The Electrical Backbone of NYC's Transit

Mann's inclusion on the Trailblazers list is directly tied to E-J Electric's significant contributions to some of the most transformative transportation projects in recent New York history. These are not just construction jobs; they are highly complex electrical and systems engineering feats that enable modern transit to function.

One of the most notable projects is the Long Island Rail Road's East Side Access, which brought LIRR service to the new Grand Central Madison terminal. E-J Electric was instrumental in installing the intricate power, lighting, and communication systems that allow the massive new station, deep beneath Midtown Manhattan, to operate. The project has dramatically cut commute times for hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders and eased chronic congestion at Penn Station.

Similarly, the firm played a key role in the creation of Moynihan Train Hall, converting the historic James A. Farley Post Office into a world-class transit hub. Beyond the grand skylight and spacious concourse, the hall required a complete electrical overhaul to support modern signaling, digital displays, security systems, and retail operations, enhancing the travel experience for Amtrak and LIRR passengers.

Other critical projects include the rehabilitation of the East River Tunnels following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, a vital effort to ensure the resilience and reliability of a key artery for regional rail. The company's portfolio also includes work on the subway system's expansion, including the extension of the No. 7 train line to Hudson Yards and the construction of the Second Avenue Subway's 96th Street station, projects that have reshaped the transit map of Manhattan.

Beyond the Grid: Engineering a More Resilient New York

Perhaps most indicative of Mann's forward-looking vision is E-J Electric's involvement in projects that push the boundaries of infrastructure technology. A prime example is the development of a state-of-the-art microgrid for the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport. This project moves beyond traditional electrical work and into the realm of energy resilience and sustainability.

A microgrid is a self-contained energy system that can operate independently of the main electrical grid. For a critical facility like an international airport, this capability is revolutionary. In the event of a city-wide power outage, the JFK microgrid will allow the terminal to maintain full operations, from runway lights to security screening, ensuring continuity and safety. This project not only future-proofs the airport against disruptions but also supports the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable footprint.

This focus on resilience and innovation positions E-J Electric at the forefront of a major shift in urban infrastructure development. As cities like New York confront the challenges of climate change and an aging grid, the demand for smart, self-sufficient energy solutions is growing exponentially. Mann's leadership in this area demonstrates a commitment not just to building today's infrastructure, but to ensuring it can withstand the challenges of tomorrow.

A Key Player in a Competitive and Evolving Market

Operating in New York's high-stakes construction and infrastructure sector requires immense scale, expertise, and a flawless reputation. E-J Electric has established itself as a dominant player in this competitive landscape. The company's national presence, with 31 offices and a diverse portfolio spanning everything from transit and airports to data centers and renewable energy facilities, provides it with the resources and experience to tackle New York's most ambitious projects.

The market is driven by a constant need to modernize, upgrade, and expand. Public-private partnerships are essential to funding and executing these capital-intensive endeavors, and firms like E-J Electric serve as the expert private-sector partners that bring public visions to life. The company's recognition alongside its "valued partners and clients" speaks to its collaborative role within this complex ecosystem.

The Trailblazers award, therefore, is more than a personal accolade for Anthony Mann; it is an acknowledgment of the critical role his company plays in the intricate machinery of New York's development. The recognition from City & State New York highlights not just the completion of monumental projects, but the ongoing responsibility of powering the city's next chapter. As New York continues to build a more connected and resilient future, the complex electrical systems engineered by firms like E-J Electric will remain the essential, though often unseen, current that keeps the metropolis moving forward.