The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced the appointment of Sarah K. McKeon as the new director of aviation, effective March 1. McKeon will succeed Charles R. Everett Jr., who is retiring after a distinguished 40-year career in aviation.
McKeon joined the Port Authority in 2004 as an engineering trainee and has since held various management positions within the aviation department. Her most recent role was as first deputy director, where she also served as general manager for Newark Liberty International and Teterboro Airports. She played a significant role in overseeing the opening of Newark Liberty's new Terminal A, part of the airport's ongoing redevelopment program.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole expressed gratitude for Everett’s leadership during his tenure, stating, “We thank Charles Everett for his extraordinary leadership in steering our airports through a period of remarkable expansion and modernization.” He added that McKeon's experience and dedication make her well-suited to lead during this transformative period.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton highlighted the current changes at the airports: “With passenger volumes at all-time highs and once-in-a-generation redevelopment projects underway, the Port Authority’s airports are in a period of extraordinary change and world-class upgrades.” He praised Everett’s contributions and noted that McKeon is poised to continue these efforts.
Everett joined the Port Authority in 2017 and became aviation director in 2022. His career included overseeing significant redevelopment projects such as JFK Airport's $19 billion renovation. Before joining the Port Authority, he worked in airport management roles in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Syracuse, New York, and with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The leadership transition occurs amid substantial growth at regional airports. In 2024, they recorded their busiest year ever with nearly 146 million passengers. The agency's $30 billion redevelopment initiatives aim to enhance passenger experiences while boosting construction and tourism across New York and New Jersey.
