Kathryn Garcia, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will be honored with the Regional Plan Association’s 2026 John Zuccotti Award that recognizes leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the “built environment” of the region.
Garcia, a longtime public administrator who most recently oversaw more than 70 government agencies as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s director of State Operations & Infrastructure, was confirmed to her new position at the PANYNJ by its board on Feb. 5. In this role, she oversees the operations of the PANYNJ’s five airports, four bridges, two tunnels, the PATH rail system, and the East Coast’s largest container port.
“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,” said Tom Wright, President & CEO of RPA.
“We look forward to supporting her work to build a world-class Port Authority Bus Terminal and other regional priorities,” Wright said. “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 brings more than three decades of experience across government. Earlier in her career she served in senior roles in New York City government, including sanitation commissioner, interim chair of the New York City Housing Authority and as the city’s COVID-19 food czar.
“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,” said Raymond J. McGuire, Chair, Regional Plan Association.
The Zuccotti Award will be presented to Garcia at the 2026 Regional Plan Association Assembly at Pier 60 in Manhattan on Friday, May 1.
The vote to approve Garcia as PANYNJ Executive Director came at the same Feb. 5 board meeting when Deputy Executive Director Jean Roehrenbeck’s nomination was also approved. Roehrenbeck, who most recently served as Vice President at Summit Strategies, previously worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation under former Secretary Pete Buttigieg where she led the DOT’s engagement with Congress and state and local governments.
Earlier in her career, Roehrenbeck served as Chief of Staff to then-Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. As Governor, Sherrill nominated Roehrenbeck to the PANYNJ deputy director position at the bistate agency.
