Bethann Rooney
Profession & company: Port Director, The Port Authority of NY & NJ
How do you celebrate your Irishness? Music, dance, genealogy, visiting Ireland, Baileys, Claddagh wedding ring, Trinity Knot tattoo
Name a maritime hero you admire and why? Admiral Michael Day, US Coast Guard - in the immediate aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Adm Day (then a Lt), was the on scene commander who led the waterside evacuation of over 500,000 people from lower Manhattan.
What did you learn in your first job which has been useful to you throughout the career? My first job taught me the value of reliability and clear communication - showing up prepared, meeting deadlines, and clear communication. I also learned the importance of asking questions and being open to receiving feedback. Those early lessons shaped the way I approach leadership, teamwork, problem solving and professional growth throughout my career.
Biography: Bethann Rooney was appointed the Director of the Port Department at The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in May 2022. She oversees the management, operation, and ongoing development of the major marine terminal facilities in the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest and busiest seaport on the East Coast of North America. Throughout her 35-year career, Rooney has distinguished herself as a leader in port operations, maritime transportation, port security and emergency management and global logistics. Since joining the Port Authority in 1993, she has held a series of management positions with progressive responsibilities including operations, leasing, property management, intermodal transportation, and technology planning. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Bethann was named the first ever Manager, Port Security, a position she held for 14 years, developing, and managing best-in-class port security and emergency management programs. Beth then developed the framework for the Port’s Council on Port Performance and in finalizing the Port Master Plan 2050. Since becoming Port Director, Beth led the Port through pandemic related growth of more than 35%, spearheaded a landmark deal with the US Army Corps of Engineers to further deepen the Port’s navigation channels to 55-feet, kicked off a historic berth and wharf replacement program, led efforts to divest of the heavily subsidized Brooklyn Port Authority Marine Terminal and completely transformed the container terminal leases to a best in class model. She is a graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College with a Master’s in International Transportation and a Bachelor’s in Marine Transportation. In the Fall of 2019, Beth was inducted into NY Maritime College’s Heritage Hall of Fame for her “awe inspiring achievements and contributions to the maritime industry. In November 2025, she was sworn in as the 77th Commissioner, since 1853, of the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New York. She is an Accredited Marine Port Executive (AMPE) from the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives, recipient of the US Secretary of Transportation’s 9/11 Medal and two-time recipient of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Distinguished Public Service Award as well as numerous other industry awards and recognitions.
