PANYNJ Executive Director Cotton to retire in January

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton announced yesterday he will step down from his position in January 2026.

Cotton's eight-and-a-half-year tenure is the longest of any port director since the 1940s, PANYNJ officials said in a press release. His successor, who has yet to be named, will work with Cotton to ensure a smooth transition. Cotton was appointed to the role by then New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2017.

Cotton called his tenure at the port the honor of his professional life, adding that it was "simply time to hand over the reins."

Under his leadership, the port navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, made significant capital improvements to its seaport and airport facilities, invested billions of dollars in Port Authority Trans-Hudson rail infrastructure, advanced sustainability initiatives and issued the PANYNJ's $45 billion proposed 2026-2035 capital plan. 

"His clarity, discipline and steady hand guided the port authority through some of the most challenging years in its history. Rick brought a level of integrity and purpose that strengthened this institution from the inside out," said PANYNJ Vice Chair Jeffrey Lynford in the press release.