The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has approved Kathryn Garcia as the agency’s next executive director. Garcia, who will start on February 9, 2026, has worked in government for three decades. Her most recent position was as director of state operations and infrastructure in the administration of New York Governor Kathy Hochul. In that role, she oversaw major initiatives including the launch of New York City’s congestion pricing program, redevelopment projects at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and other large-scale infrastructure efforts.
Garcia has also held senior roles in New York City government, such as commissioner of the Department of Sanitation and interim chair of the Housing Authority. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she coordinated food distribution to city residents.
As executive director, Garcia will be responsible for daily operations across the Port Authority’s air, rail, bridge, tunnel, and seaport activities. She will also oversee delivery of a recently approved 10-year capital plan.
“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 Gov. 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.”
The Board also approved Jean Roehrenbeck as deputy executive director. Roehrenbeck brings experience from federal transportation policy work; she most recently served as vice president at Summit Strategies consulting firm and previously worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
As deputy executive director reporting directly to Garcia, Roehrenbeck will help manage agency priorities moving forward.
“The Port Authority succeeds when New York and New Jersey work together with focus and purpose,” said New Jersey Gov. 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.”
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole commented: “Kathryn Garcia is an extraordinary public servant and the right leader to guide the Port Authority at this pivotal moment… 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.” He added that Roehrenbeck’s experience would support intergovernmental affairs for key regional initiatives.
Jeffrey Lynford, vice chair of the Board of Commissioners said: “The Port Authority is in a strong place both financially and operationally… Kathryn and Jean bring experience…to build on that foundation.”
Garcia stated: “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 strive to deliver a positive experience for New Yorkers and New Jerseyans… I want to thank Governors Hochul and Sherrill for their leadership… Together we will usher in a new golden age for transportation in this bi-state region.”
Roehrenbeck added: “I’m honored to join The Port Authority as deputy executive director at such a pivotal moment for our region… The agency’s work affects millions every day… I’m excited to bring my experience here…to deliver for people & businesses.”
Garcia follows Rick Cotton who retired after more than eight years leading institutional reforms at The Port Authority—including airport transformation projects such as those at LaGuardia Airport (now rebuilt), JFK International Airport (under redevelopment), Newark Liberty International Airport (with new Terminal A), plus replacement efforts like AirTrain Newark.
The Port Authority manages vital infrastructure including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), bridges like George Washington Bridge as well as tunnels between states; it also operates port facilities across about 1,500 square miles spanning both states (source). Its operations are mainly funded through its own revenues rather than direct taxpayer support (source). Through these investments it aims to support regional economic growth by ensuring efficient movement by air land rail or sea (source).
