The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is proud to announce the appointment of James “Jim” Cicardo as the Acting Deputy General Manager of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), effective immediately.
In this pivotal leadership role, Jim will work closely with General Manager Terri Rizzuto to oversee the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. His appointment comes at a transformative moment for JFK, as the Port Authority continues its historic $19 billion redevelopment to create a unified, world-class terminal experience.
Jim Cicardo is a distinguished aviation professional with more than 20 years of experience in airport operations. Since joining the Port Authority in 2008 as an Operations Services Supervisor, Jim has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience. Most recently, he served as Operations Manager at JFK, where he played a critical role in overseeing the airport’s intricate landside and airside operations.
Prior to his tenure with the Port Authority, Jim honed his expertise at several key airports across the United States, including: Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Sikorsky Memorial Airport, Westchester County Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Jim’s leadership is underpinned by a robust educational foundation and active participation in the professional aviation community. He holds a Master of Science in Management (specializing in Air Transportation Management) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Furthering his commitment to the industry, Jim is a Certified Member (CM) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and recently achieved the prestigious Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation—the highest professional mark in airport management.
Jim’s contributions have been recognized both internally and nationally. He was named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” by Aviation Pros Airport Business Magazine and has been honored as a “Pillar of the Port Authority,” a testament to his reliability and visionary approach to airport management.
As Acting Deputy General Manager, Jim will focus on advancing world-class operations, maintenance standards, and customer service initiatives, ensuring that JFK remains a premier global gateway throughout its ongoing modernization.
