The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (NY & NJ) has announced that the director of its port department, Sam Ruda, is retiring and will be succeeded by the maritime industry veteran Beth Rooney from May.
Ruda has decided to step down from the agency to return to his home on the West Coast. He joined the port authority in 2015, after a 29-year career in transportation, and he was appointed to head the Port of NY & NJ in April 2019, five months after being named interim director.
“It has been an honour and privilege to be part of the senior leadership team at the port authority and to preside over this nationally important seaport complex,” he commented.
As for Rooney, she has been an integral part of the port department since 1993, holding an experience in the maritime sector for more than three decades. Over the past three years, she has served as deputy director, after serving as the port’s assistant director overseeing policy, planning, legislative and regulatory affairs, as well as environmental sustainability, performance, and efficiency imperatives.
Under the leadership of Ruda and Rooney, the third busiest port in the United States has achieved record-breaking volumes while navigating significant challenges induced by the Covid-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions.
Port authority chairman Kevin O’Toole stated that Sam has led the port department during one of the most critical periods in its history and he has provided “superior leadership” during his years as director.
Ruda and Rooney have also overseen the development and implementation of a visionary strategy, namely Port Master Plan, to guide the port’s growth and manage an anticipated increase in cargo volumes over the next 30 years, according to a statement.
Port authority executive director, Rick Cotton said that Rooney has tackled a wide array of critical initiatives during her career, and she will provide the port with both continuity and vision.
In her turn, Rooney stressed, “Throughout my tenure at the port authority, I’ve been privileged to be a part of the incredible growth and evolution of the Port of New York and New Jersey.”
