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NJ Transit has suspended its CHRO without pay as an independent investigation gets underway into allegations connected to his conduct.
The employee, identified as Joel Gokool by NorthJersey.com, is the subject of a complaint that prompted the organization to bring in outside counsel for a full review of the matter. Gokool said the information relayed to NorthJersey.com was “patently false,” but did not elaborate.
The agency confirmed that Gokool was removed from his role while the assessment proceeds. A spokesperson said the decision was made after concerns were raised about potential violations of NJ Transit’s Corporate Wide Policies and Code of Ethics.
Two individuals told NorthJersey.com that Gokool had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with NJ Transit employees. The content of the complaint has not been detailed by the agency, which noted that confidentiality requirements limit what can be shared while the review is active.
John Chartier, Head of Media Relations for NJ Transit, said the organization intends to manage the situation responsibly. “We are committed to handling this matter with integrity, while also respecting the confidentiality required in an active review,” he said.
“NJ Transit treats allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness," he continued. "Protecting the safety and well-being of our approximately 12,000 employees is one of our highest priorities, and we act decisively when those standards are called into question.”
Suspended leader previously held senior HR roles
Gokool began his current tenure as Chief of Human Resources at NJ Transit in August 2024. His LinkedIn profile shows he previously served as the agency’s Deputy Chief of Human Resources from September 2021 through February 2023. He also held a comparable role at the MTA (Metropolitan Transport Authority), according to the same profile.
Some details surrounding the complaint remain undisclosed as the inquiry continues. NJ Transit said that appointing independent outside counsel was intended to ensure that the review is comprehensive and impartial. The agency has not indicated when the investigation is expected to conclude or whether further actions may follow.
The suspension creates a complication for the transit organization, which relies heavily on senior HR leadership to maintain workforce stability across its large employee base. With its top HR official on leave, NJ Transit has not announced any interim leadership arrangements or changes to HR operations.
The agency reiterated that it will not release further information until the external review has delivered its findings. Gokool has not issued a public statement in response to the allegations reported by NorthJersey.com.
