Bobby Johnson and Julia Kohn, both Master of City and Regional Planning candidates at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, were selected for the Port Authority Leadership Fellow Program, according to a Mar. 12 announcement. The program receives over 200 applications from master’s candidates each year, with only a few chosen as finalists.
The Leadership Fellow Program is a two-year rotational initiative designed to develop future leaders in public service within the New York and New Jersey metropolitan region. Participants gain experience in areas such as planning, finance, security, facility operations, and human resources through four different assignments. Upon completion of the program, fellows are often considered for key positions at the Port Authority.
Johnson is from West Berlin, New Jersey, and graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Planning. He said, “I have long been interested in understanding how people’s movement shapes our built environments, which has led me to concentrate in Transportation Planning and Policy.” Johnson also noted his decision to attend Bloustein was influenced by its accredited planning program and strategic location. His previous experience includes serving as an AmeriCorps NCCC Corps Member on projects across several states and working as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Voorhees Transportation Center where he contributed to the New Jersey Target Zero Action Plan.
Kohn is from New York City and earned her bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies at Cornell University before joining Bloustein. She said she was attracted to Bloustein because of its close-knit student body, alumni network, coursework opportunities, and reputation. “I was drawn to the Port Authority Leadership Fellow Program for its rotational structure and emphasis on public service,” Kohn said. She previously interned at the Port Authority’s Aviation Department and currently serves as President of the Bloustein Enthusiasts and Advocates for Transportation student organization.
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy operates as part of Rutgers University according to its official website. The school focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and healthy communities locally and globally according to its official website. It has earned national recognition for its programs; its graduate urban planning program ranks third nationally while its undergraduate public health program ranks fourth according to its official website.
The school advances social impact through research centers focused on community development, transportation, health policy, workforce development, and energy policy according to its official website. Distinguished alumni are recognized through a Hall of Fame established in 2013 along with annual achievement awards dating back to 1994 according to its official website. Stuart Shapiro became dean of the school in 2023 according to its official website.