Kathryn Garcia Officially Appointed to Lead Port Authority
the staff of the Riidgewood blog
New York NY, In a landmark move for regional transportation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has officially approved Kathryn Garcia as the agency’s next Executive Director.
The appointment, confirmed on February 5, 2026, signals a new chapter for the bi-state agency as it embarks on a massive 10-year, multi-billion-dollar capital plan. Garcia, a veteran public servant known for her “get-it-done” reputation, will officially take the helm on Monday, February 9, 2026.
A Proven Leader for a Pivotal Moment
Kathryn Garcia is no stranger to complex infrastructure. Most recently serving as New York’s Director of State Operations and Infrastructure, she has been the architect behind several generational projects, including:
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The Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project: The nation’s most critical rail link.
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JFK International Airport Redevelopment: A $19 billion transformation.
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Congestion Pricing: Launching New York City’s historic traffic reduction initiative.
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The Interborough Express: A new transit link between Brooklyn and Queens.
Governor Kathy Hochul lauded the choice, stating, “There is no better public servant than Kathryn Garcia… this region demands a Port Authority that can continue to deliver big things while upholding the highest standards of transparency.”
The New Leadership Team: Jean Roehrenbeck Joins as Deputy
To support this ambitious agenda, the Board also approved Jean Roehrenbeck as Deputy Executive Director. Roehrenbeck brings a deep bench of federal experience, having served under U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
As a former Chief of Staff to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, Roehrenbeck’s appointment underscores a renewed spirit of collaboration between the two states.
“Jean Roehrenbeck has the experience, judgment, and commitment to public service that this moment demands,” said Governor Sherrill.
Top Priorities for 2026 and Beyond
Garcia and Roehrenbeck inherit an agency in a strong financial position but facing massive logistical challenges. Their “to-do” list includes:
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Midtown Bus Terminal Rebuild: A $10 billion overhaul of the world’s busiest bus hub.
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PATH Modernization: Implementing the “PATH Forward” program to improve reliability.
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Capital Plan Execution: Delivering the 2026–2035 Capital Plan, which serves as the blueprint for the region’s air, rail, and sea portals.
| Project | Scope | Status |
| Midtown Bus Terminal | $10 Billion Replacement | Planning/Pre-Construction |
| JFK Airport | $19 Billion Overhaul | In Progress |
| Newark AirTrain | Complete Replacement | Procurement/Design |
| Gateway Tunnel | New Hudson River Crossing | Active Construction |
The Legacy of Rick Cotton
Garcia succeeds Rick Cotton, the longest-serving Executive Director in decades. Cotton’s eight-year tenure saw the total transformation of LaGuardia Airport from a “third-world” facility to a world-class hub, as well as the opening of the new Newark Terminal A.
As Garcia takes over, she expressed a commitment to building on this foundation: “My goal is to not only meet that responsibility but to strive to deliver a positive experience for New Yorkers and New Jerseyans.”
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and what is the salary of this public servant