Rick Cotton to Retire as Port Authority Executive Director After Transformative Tenure

Rick Cotton, the long-serving executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will retire in January, the agency announced Monday. Cotton, who has held the role longer than anyone since the 1940s, oversaw significant infrastructure improvements and revitalization projects across New York City and parts of New Jersey.

During his tenure, Cotton spearheaded the transformation of LaGuardia Airport, turning it from one of the nation’s worst airports into a modern, award-winning facility. He also guided one of the country’s busiest ports through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty.

“Working across two states, political lines, and every corner of this agency, we have made historic progress,” Cotton said in a statement, referring to his collaboration with Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Together, we transformed our airports from appalling laughingstocks into best-in-class gateways and jumpstarted the Midtown Bus Terminal, which had languished for decades.”

Under his leadership, the agency expanded its police force, promoted the arts, and became the first U.S. transportation authority to adopt the Paris climate accord, positioning itself as a leader in the push for net-zero emissions.

Earlier this month, the Port Authority unveiled a $45 billion, decade-long capital plan aimed at continuing modernization of the region’s transportation hubs. The plan includes $21 billion in aviation upgrades across Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia airports, a new Midtown Bus Terminal, PATH train service improvements, and rehabilitation of the George Washington Bridge. The plan’s cost is roughly 22% higher than the previous capital program, driven largely by rising construction and materials expenses.

Cotton, who was appointed in 2017 by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and retained by current Governor Kathy Hochul, also navigated a $3 billion revenue loss during the pandemic that caused delays in capital spending. Hochul has yet to announce a successor.