MBTA to pay $495,000 settlement to Chief Communication Officer

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has reached a $495,000 settlement with Gabrielle Mondestin, the agency’s Chief Communication Officer. The payment covers supplemental wages, damages, and legal fees following an incident where General Manager Phil Eng pulled Mondestin’s hair during a team-building dinner.

Mondestin, who has served in her role since 2023, is scheduled to resign on September 18. The MBTA requested she remain in her position until then to assist with the transition of her duties. In a joint statement, Eng expressed regret for his actions, describing them as “insensitive” and stating that he has learned from the experience.

The settlement agreement, signed on August 7, does not include an admission of wrongdoing by Eng. Mondestin noted that while some of her experiences at the agency were difficult, she appreciated the leadership’s commitment to creating a respectful work environment. Eng also serves as the state’s interim transportation secretary.