Port authority names new leadership for jfk, newark liberty, laguardia, stewart

PORT AUTHORITY NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR

JFK, NEWARK LIBERTY, LAGUARDIA, STEWART

AND ATLANTIC CITY AIRPORTS

Top-flight tier of new managers will help agency implement $8 billion

in airport investment projects over the coming decade

The new team of general managers, Michael Moran at John F. Kennedy International, Rich Heslin at Newark Liberty International, Lysa Scully at LaGuardia and Ed Harrison at Stewart International, have more than 100 years of combined aviation experience within the agency.  Additionally, at Atlantic City International Airport, E.J. Mullins was promoted to Program Director, overseeing the agency’s agreement with the South Jersey Transportation Authority to provide general management services, including the development of air service for the airport.

“Each of these highly competent and respected professionals owns an impressive and proven track record of success working for the busiest and most challenging airport system in the world,” said Port Authority Aviation Director Thomas Bosco.  “I am confident they will help lead us through the challenges that lie ahead, deliver on the great promise our future holds and ensure our airports remain strong economic engines for the metropolitan region.”

Coming off last year’s record 112.5 million passengers, the Port Authority’s aviation system is poised for continued growth with $8 billion in agency funds alone committed toward reinvestment and modernization of the airport system, along with billions of dollars more in projects planned by the airlines over the next decade.

The annual combined economic impact for JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Stewart, Atlantic City and Teterboro airports is more than 550,000 jobs, nearly $28 billion dollars in annual wages, and more than $78 billion dollars in economic activity annually.

Here is a look at the new airport leaders and their backgrounds:

Mike played a critical role in advancing the LGA Redevelopment Program from its infancy through early design and planning. He has spent more than two decades in the agency’s Aviation Department in positions of increasing responsibility across several divisions, including Planning, Technical Services and Properties Development, and has worked at all three of the agency’s major metropolitan airports.

An engineer by training, Mr. Heslin joined the Port Authority in 1971 as an employee of its rail-transit subsidiary, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH). He was Manager of PATH's Way & Structures Division in 1999 when he left PATH and joined the Port Authority's Aviation Department as Assistant Manager of the Airport Facilities Division at Newark Liberty International Airport.

As Assistant Manager, and then as the Manager of EWR's Facilities Division, Rich managed the agency’s maintenance activities at Newark Liberty International Airport, developed and implemented the Port Authority's capital improvement plans for both Newark and Teterboro airports, and oversaw all tenant construction at both airports.

Rich was named Manager of Teterboro Airport in July 2007. His responsibilities included managing all aspects of the airport's operations and maintenance, implementing security and safety improvements, coordinating with federal, state and local agencies regarding airport operations, and working with the surrounding communities.

Rich was appointed as General Manager of Stewart International Airport in July of 2011, where he focused on developing Stewart International Airport as a viable regional airport and important economic engine for the Hudson Valley region.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Lysa Scully, who has been with the Port Authority since 1986, was promoted from Deputy General Manager to General Manager, LGA. She takes over at a critical juncture in the airport’s history, as the $3.6 billion Central Terminal Building Replacement program gains momentum.

Prior to her facility leadership roles, Lysa spent more than 13 years in senior executive positions in the corporate Aviation Department and was accountable for the strategy and implementation of concessions, parking and customer service initiatives for all the Port Authority’s commercial service airports.

Lysa led the development of the iconic Customer Care brand and Customer Service Standards Programs that are hallmarks of Port Authority airports. Her prior management experience includes the Management & Budget and Comptroller’s departments, Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals Department, and a two-year appointment as Corporate Secretary of the Port Authority. She has attained the Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives. 

Stewart International Airport (SWF)

Ed Harrison, who joined the Port Authority in 1993, was promoted from Manager of Commercial Properties and Development, EWR, to General Manager, SWF.

Prior to taking over at Stewart, Ed was the Manager of Properties and Commercial Development for Newark Liberty International and Teterboro airports, overseeing an aviation real estate portfolio that generated $800 million annually.

He brings a strong business background to his new job, and plans to focus on attracting new airlines to the Hudson Valley facility.

Prior to joining the Port Authority, Mr. Harrison was employed from 1974 through 1993 by Universal Maritime Service Corp. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Maersk, USA).  He rose to the rank of Vice President of Business Development, where he was responsible for attracting cargo and shipping companies to Universal Marine Terminal facilities.  Mr. Harrison also managed the U.S. Army contract at the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne during Operation Desert Storm, a 24/7 operation in which loaded ships for U.S. Armed Forces deployed in the Middle East.

Mr. Mullins is a veteran airline and airport executive, and began his airline career in 1983 with Trans World Airlines (TWA), serving in various airport, flight operations, and security positions. Following his tenure with TWA, he became Vice President of East Coast Operations for Transtates Airlines (Trans World Express, Delta Connection, and US Airways Express). Mr. Mullins joined the Port Authority as the agency’s Airline Programs Manager. He was  promoted to Manager of Airport Operations, Manager of Air Service Development, and Manager of Airport Certification and Safety before moving to his current role at Atlantic City, where he is responsible for all Port Authority management support services.

The Port Authority’s Aviation Department oversees operations at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Teterboro and Stewart International, while providing management support services at Atlantic City International. Overall, the aviation department has 930 agency employees and more than 3,500 contract staff.

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