The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners today approved the nomination of Kathryn Garcia to serve as the agency’s next executive director.Garcia brings three decades of experience across government, most recently serving in the administration of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as director of state operations and infrastructure, where she oversaw major initiatives like the launch of New York City’s congestion pricing program, New York’s nuclear power moonshot, the Interstate 81 Viaduct project in Syracuse, N.Y., the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project, the Interborough Express, and the redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport. Previously, Garcia served in senior roles in New York City government, including as commissioner of the city Department of Sanitation, interim chair of the New York City Housing Authority, and as the city’s COVID-19 food czar, where she distributed 130 million meals to New Yorkers during the pandemic. As executive director, Garcia will lead day-to-day operations across the Port Authority’s air, rail, bridge, tunnel, and seaport operations and will deliver the recently approved 10-year Port Authority capital plan. Garcia’s first day as executive director will be Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
“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 agency’s Board of Commissioners also approved the nomination of Jean Roehrenbeck to serve as deputy executive director. Roehrenbeck brings extensive experience in federal transportation policy government affairs. She most recently served as a vice president at Summit Strategies, a national government affairs and strategic consulting firm. Previously, Roehrenbeck served at the U.S. Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg, including as acting assistant secretary for governmental affairs, where she led the department’s engagement with Congress and state and local governments and managed all governmental affairs operations. She served on the department’s senior leadership team during the rollout of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, helping advance major infrastructure initiatives nationwide. Earlier in her career, Roehrenbeck was chief of staff to then-U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As deputy executive director, Roehrenbeck will report directly to the executive director.
“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.”
“Kathryn Garcia is an extraordinary public servant and the right leader to guide the Port Authority at this pivotal moment,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. “Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Kathryn, and her command of complex operations, her collaborative leadership style, and her unwavering commitment to accountabilityhave been evident at every step. 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. Jean Roehrenbeck will bring valuable experience in transportation policy and intergovernmental affairs and the agency’s mission. Together, working with the Board of Commissioners and our dedicated workforce, this leadership team will continue building a more effective, transparent, and forward-looking Port Authority for the region and the millions of people and businesses who rely on us every day.”
“The Port Authority is in a strong place both financially and operationally. That’s a credit to our leadership team and our 8,000 employees who perform the work each day and night,” said Jeffrey Lynford, vice chair of the Port Authority Board of Commissioners. “Kathryn and Jean bring the experience, judgment, and the spirit of collaboration to build on that foundation, and they’ll do so in close partnership with the Board. We’re fully aligned on continuing to execute and deliver on key priorities for the region.”
“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 to strive to deliver a positive experience for New Yorkers and New Jerseyans,” said Kathryn Garcia. “I am honored to join the hardworking men and women at our airports, rail, crossings, and ports in advancing that mission. I’ve had the privilege of working with Rick Cotton on implementing major infrastructure projects, and I look forward to building on this momentum as well as continuing his legacy of transparency and stability at an agency relied upon by millions of people. Lastly, I want to thank Governors Hochul and Sherrill for their leadership and support. Together, we will usher in a new golden age for transportation in the bi-state region.”
“I’m honored to join the Port Authority as deputy executive director at such a pivotal moment for our region,” said Jean Roehrenbeck. “The agency’s work affects millions of people every day, and I’m committed to making their experience better whether they’re commuting to work, connecting to family, or moving goods that support our economy. I look forward to workingwith Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, Chairman O’Toole and the Board, and the staff of the agency to advance projects that strengthen our region and improve the experience across our airports, rail lines, bridges, tunnels, and ports. Throughout my career in federal transportation policy, I’ve seen what’s possible when government partners work together effectively. I’m excited to bring that experience here and to build upon the collaboration needed to deliver for the people and businesses of the bi-state region.”
Kathryn Garcia assumes the role of executive director following the retirement of Rick Cotton, who served in the role for 8.5 years. Under the leadership of Cotton and Chairman Kevin O’Toole, the agency has delivered an agenda of institutional reform and historic renewal of the Port Authority’s core assets, advancing major projects like the $50 billion transformation of the region’s three airports, including an entirely new LaGuardia, a rebuilt John F. Kennedy International Airport, the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty and a replacement for AirTrain Newark.
