The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has approved the nomination of Kathryn Garcia to serve as the transit agency’s next executive director and Jean Roehrenbeck to serve as deputy executive director, with both beginning their roles February 9.
Garcia previously served as director of state operations and infrastructure in New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration and as New York City Department of Sanitation commissioner and interim chair of the New York City Housing Authority. Garcia succeeds former executive director Rick Cotton, who retired from the position after serving 8.5 years and advancing major infrastructural projects at LaGuardia International Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
“There is no better public servant than Kathryn Garcia, and I am delighted that the entire region will now benefit from her leadership as she steps into this new role,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Millions of people in both New York and New Jersey rely on the Port Authority every day, with its seaport, rail, roadway crossings, and airports serving as the backbone of the nation’s largest economy. This region demands a Port Authority that can continue to deliver big things while upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability. With major projects like the Midtown Bus Terminal, generational renovations at all three NYC-area airports, and major improvements to PATH service all in the works, I know that Kathryn will provide the leadership and vision we need to take the Port Authority to new heights.”
“Kathryn Garcia is an extraordinary public servant and the right leader to guide the Port Authority at this pivotal moment,” added Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Kathryn, and her command of complex operations, her collaborative leadership style, and her unwavering commitment to accountability have been evident at every step. She brings a rare combination of vision and execution that will be essential as we deliver the largest capital plan in the agency’s history. Jean Roehrenbeck will bring valuable experience in transportation policy and intergovernmental affairs and the agency’s mission. Together, working with the Board of Commissioners and our dedicated workforce, this leadership team will continue building a more effective, transparent, and forward-looking Port Authority for the region and the millions of people and businesses who rely on us every day.”
Roehrenbeck previously served as a vice president at consulting firm Summit Strategies as well as acting assistant secretary for governmental affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg and chief of staff to then-U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The Port Authority succeeds when New York and New Jersey work together with focus and purpose,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. “And the coming years must bring meaningful progress on the two biggest transportation infrastructure projects in the country: the Gateway Project and the rebuild of the Midtown Bus Terminal. Jean Roehrenbeck has the experience, judgment, and commitment to public service that this moment demands. I look forward to working closely with Kathryn, Jean, and the entire leadership team to modernize our infrastructure, improve reliability, and keep costs down for commuters and taxpayers.”
“The Port Authority is in a strong place both financially and operationally. That’s a credit to our leadership team and our 8,000 employees who perform the work each day and night,” said Jeffrey Lynford, vice chair of the Port Authority Board of Commissioners. “Kathryn and Jean bring the experience, judgment, and the spirit of collaboration to build on that foundation, and they’ll do so in close partnership with the Board. We’re fully aligned on continuing to execute and deliver on key priorities for the region.”
“Keeping people and goods moving is essential to our economy and our daily lives. As Port Authority executive director, my goal is to not only meet that responsibility, but to strive to deliver a positive experience for New Yorkers and New Jerseyans,” said Garcia. “I am honored to join the hardworking men and women at our airports, rail, crossings, and ports in advancing that mission. I’ve had the privilege of working with Rick Cotton on implementing major infrastructure projects, and I look forward to building on this momentum as well as continuing his legacy of transparency and stability at an agency relied upon by millions of people. Lastly, I want to thank Governors Hochul and Sherrill for their leadership and support. Together, we will usher in a new golden age for transportation in the bi-state region.”
“I’m honored to join the Port Authority as deputy executive director at such a pivotal moment for our region,” added Roehrenbeck. “The agency’s work affects millions of people every day, and I’m committed to making their experience better whether they’re commuting to work, connecting to family, or moving goods that support our economy. I look forward to working with Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, Chairman O’Toole and the Board, and the staff of the agency to advance projects that strengthen our region and improve the experience across our airports, rail lines, bridges, tunnels, and ports. Throughout my career in federal transportation policy, I’ve seen what’s possible when government partners work together effectively. I’m excited to bring that experience here and to build upon the collaboration needed to deliver for the people and businesses of the bi-state region.”
