Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), will receive the 2026 John Zuccotti Award from the Regional Plan Association (RPA). The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the region’s built environment.
Garcia was confirmed as PANYNJ executive director by its board on February 5. In her new role, she oversees operations at five airports, four bridges, two tunnels, the PATH rail system, and the largest container port on the East Coast. Previously, Garcia managed more than 70 government agencies as New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s director of State Operations & Infrastructure.
Tom Wright, President & CEO of RPA, said: “Kathyrn Garcia, a long-time friend and ally of Regional Plan Association, has been a steadfast partner in vital initiatives we have supported for years, including the revitalization of JFK airport, the widely successful implementation of congestion pricing, and the Hudson Tunnel Project.” He added: “We look forward to supporting her work to build a world-class Port Authority Bus Terminal and other regional priorities. Her leadership on a wide range of issues, including housing opportunity, transit investment, technology and innovation, and congestion pricing make her an outstanding recipient for this award.”
Garcia has more than thirty years’ experience in public administration. She previously held senior roles in New York City government such as sanitation commissioner, interim chair of the New York City Housing Authority, and served as COVID-19 food czar.
Raymond J. McGuire, Chair of RPA said: “Kathryn Garcia’s longstanding leadership as a public servant has distinguished her as impactful and collaborative. As she takes the important helm of the PANYNJ, her tenure promises to be one of continued distinction as she sets an example for generations.”
The Zuccotti Award will be presented to Garcia at the 2026 RPA Assembly at Pier 60 in Manhattan on May 1.
At the same February 5 meeting that approved Garcia’s appointment as executive director at PANYNJ, Jean Roehrenbeck was also confirmed as deputy executive director. Roehrenbeck most recently worked as Vice President at Summit Strategies and previously served at the U.S. Department of Transportation under former Secretary Pete Buttigieg. She led DOT engagement with Congress and state governments. Earlier in her career she was Chief of Staff to then-Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) is recognized as one of the nation’s largest statewide employer associations representing businesses across various sectors (https://njbia.org/). NJBIA works to advance its members’ competitive excellence by providing advocacy services and essential information (https://njbia.org/). The association supports private-sector employers throughout New Jersey (https://njbia.org/) and facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions (https://njbia.org/). Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer (https://njbia.org/).
