The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Board of Commissioners today held its annual election of officers and unanimously re-elected its chairman, vice-chairman and executive director, as well as all other incumbent officers of the Port Authority, which pursuant to the agency’s by-laws include the roles of secretary, general counsel, chief financial officer, comptroller, and treasurer.
The individuals who were re-elected to those roles are listed below:
- Kevin J. O’Toole, chairman
- Jeffrey H. Lynford, vice-chair
- Richard Cotton, executive director*
- James E. McCoy, secretary
- Amy H. Fisher, general counsel
- Elizabeth M. McCarthy, chief financial officer
- Daniel G. McCarron, comptroller
- Sherien N. Khella, treasurer
Cotton has announced plans to retire from service in January 2026 and will continue to serve in office until the election of a successor.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced her intent to appoint Kathryn A. Garcia to the office, which will be subject to future consideration of the Board’s nominating committee and a recommendation to the full Board of Commissioners for approval.
Kevin O’Toole joined the Port Authority Board in July 2017, accepting the Port Authority post after resigning his state Senate seat from Essex County, N.J. He was first elected as the 20th chairman of the agency’s Board in August 2017. He left his Senate seat on July 1, 2017, to begin his term as a commissioner on the Port Authority Board.
Jeffrey Lynford was appointed to the Board of Commissioners in June 2011. He was first elected vice chairman of the board on July 20, 2017. He currently serves as president and CEO of Educational Housing Services. He was the co-founder of the Wellsford group of public and private real estate companies.
Rick Cotton joined the Port Authority as executive director in August 2017. He previously served as special counsel for interagency initiatives to the governor of New York, overseeing major downstate infrastructure priorities such as the redevelopment of LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports.
