The Port Authority announced that it will launch a nationwide search for a new director of its Port Department to succeed Molly Campbell, who will leave her position on October 26 to become a 2019 University Fellow as part of Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative.
Ms. Campbell joined the Port Authority on July 27, 2015 following a nearly 15-year career with the Port of Los Angeles, where she served as Deputy Executive Director responsible for the day-to-day administration at the nation’s busiest port complex. Immediately prior to joining the Port Authority, she served as Director of Financial Management Systems for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a department of the City of Los Angeles.
“Molly is a consummate public servant, a leader in the national maritime industry and has been a major asset to our management team,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Her unrelenting focus on continuous improvement across all port operations and infrastructure has continued to enhance the port’s capabilities and propel its standing and competitiveness among the international commerce community.”
During her three years overseeing the Port of New York and New Jersey – the third-largest port complex in the United States – Ms. Campbell oversaw record cargo volumes and achieved major milestones, such as the arrival of the largest neo-Panamax container ship to call on the East Coast following the completions of the 50-foot channel deepening program and the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project. Other notable milestones achieved under Ms. Campbell’s tenure include record intermodal rail volume, the start of construction of the ExpressRail Port Jersey intermodal facility and strong growth in the auto and cruise line business.
Under Ms. Campbell’s leadership, the Port Authority launched and has nearly completed a Port Master Plan, which will help guide sustainable development and growth for the next 30 years in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Additionally, under her direction, the Port Department has improved its collaboration, outreach and communication with stakeholders – with customers, with host communities and within the Port Department team.
During her career, Ms. Campbell played active roles in national and international logistics associations, including serving as Chair of the American Association of Port Authorities Maritime Economic Development Committee, and as Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee for the International Association of Ports and Harbors and the North American Region. She also served as Chair of the Port Performance Task Force, a group of port stakeholders formed to cooperatively seek common solutions to issues to improve port productivity and efficiency. ν
