Rich Davey, CEO Massachusetts Port Authority

 Rich Davey

Profession & company: CEO Massachusetts Port Authority

How do you celebrate your Irishness? Proudly sharing with any and all my Irish roots!

Name a maritime hero you admire and why? John Joyce, my grandfather who served on the USS Monterey in the Pacific theater during WWII.

What did you learn in your first job which has been useful to you throughout the career? In my earliest jobs — long before I led large teams or managed complex transportation systems — I learned the value of rolling up my sleeves and understanding the front line. Working customer‑facing roles taught me that the people who interact directly with the public often know more about what’s really happening than anyone else in the organization. Listening to them isn’t optional; it’s essential. I also learned very quickly that punctuality and preparedness matter. In transportation, minutes count. When I was young, showing up on time wasn’t just a rule — it was a responsibility. That habit became a foundation for how I operate today: show up, be ready, and respect other people’s time. Finally, I learned the value of staying calm when things go sideways. Anyone who has worked in operations knows that challenges don’t wait for the ‘right moment.’ Those early experiences taught me to stay steady, focus on solutions, and support the team around me — a mindset that has carried me through every role since.

Biography:  Richard Davey is the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). As CEO, Davey leads an organization with revenue of $1.25 billion and a mission of connecting Massachusetts and New England to the world to support the Commonwealth’s economic, transportation and climate goals, while demonstrating a commitment to neighboring communities.  Massport’s portfolio includes Boston Logan International Airport, Worcester Regional Airport, Hanscom Field, the public maritime facilities in the Port of Boston including Conley Container Terminal and Flynn Cruiseport Boston, as well as commercial real estate in East Boston, South Boston, and Charlestown. The Authority’s facilities generate nearly $22 billion in annual economic impact. Rich brings over two decades of experience in transportation and infrastructure. Prior to joining Massport, he served as President of New York City Transit, North America’s largest transit system. He was also a partner at Boston Consulting Group, advising transportation organizations globally. Earlier in his career, Rich served as Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation under Governor Deval Patrick from 2011 through 2014, and as General Manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in 2010–2011.  Rich is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Gonzaga University School of Law. A native Bostonian, he and his wife reside in the Back Bay.