Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), has been named the recipient of the 2026 John Zuccotti Award by the Regional Plan Association (RPA). The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the region’s built environment.
Garcia was confirmed as executive director by the PANYNJ board on February 5. In this role, she oversees operations for five airports, four bridges, two tunnels, the PATH rail system, and one of the largest container ports on the East Coast. Prior to her current position, Garcia served as director of State Operations & Infrastructure under New York Governor Kathy Hochul, managing over 70 government agencies.
Tom Wright, President and CEO of RPA, said: “Kathyrn Garcia, a long-time friend and ally of Regional Plan Association, has been a steadfast partner in vital initiatives we have supported for years, including the revitalization of JFK airport, the widely successful implementation of congestion pricing, and the Hudson Tunnel Project.” He added: “We look forward to supporting her work to build a world-class Port Authority Bus Terminal and other regional priorities. Her leadership on a wide range of issues, including housing opportunity, transit investment, technology and innovation, and congestion pricing make her an outstanding recipient for this award.”
Garcia’s public service career spans more than thirty years. She previously held senior positions in New York City government such as sanitation commissioner and interim chair of the New York City Housing Authority. She also served as food czar during COVID-19 response efforts.
Raymond J. McGuire, Chair of RPA said: “Kathryn Garcia’s longstanding leadership as a public servant has distinguished her as impactful and collaborative. As she takes the important helm of the PANYNJ, her tenure promises to be one of continued distinction as she sets an example for generations.”
The Zuccotti Award will be presented at RPA’s 2026 Assembly at Pier 60 in Manhattan on May 1.
At its February 5 meeting—the same session that confirmed Garcia—the PANYNJ board also approved Jean Roehrenbeck as deputy executive director. Roehrenbeck most recently worked at Summit Strategies after serving at the U.S. Department of Transportation under former Secretary Pete Buttigieg where she led engagement with Congress and state governments. Earlier in her career she was Chief of Staff to then-Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) is recognized as one of America’s largest statewide employer organizations representing private-sector employers across industries such as manufacturing and services throughout New Jersey according to its official website. NJBIA offers advocacy services along with resources aimed at advancing member prosperity while building collaborations among businesses, government entities and academic institutions as noted by NJBIA. The association is based in Trenton with Michele Siekerka serving as president and chief executive officer according to its website.
