NY/NJ: Huntly Lawrence Named Port Authority Aviation Director
Huntley A. Lawrence, a 31-year veteran of the Port Authority, has been named the agency’s new director of aviation, succeeding the retiring Thomas L. Bosco as head of the nation’s largest airport system, the Port Authority announced Dec. 13.
Throughout his Port Authority career, Lawrence has managed a series of key operational initiatives, as well as safety, security and compliance enhancements, earning him a reputation as a top leader in the aviation field. Since 2014, he has served as the deputy director of aviation.
“In his new role as director, I’m confident Huntley will continue the exceptional work Tom has done over the past two years, especially as we move forward with critical modernization projects at our airports,” said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “His experience and record of leadership will enable us to maintain our airports as key gateways to the bi-state region and meet passenger growth for the 21st century.”
Lawrence takes command of one of the world’s largest airport systems, with revenues of $2.5 billion and a staff of more than 1,300 aviation professionals, at a crucial time. Several major development projects are currently under way at the Port Authority, including the redevelopment of Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport and the redevelopment of Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Lawrence began his career at the Port Authority in 1985 in airport operations, working at LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy International Airport before joining the properties and commercial development division at Newark Liberty. In 2006, he became general manager of security and technology for the aviation department.
Lawrence served as deputy general manager and later as general manager for New Jersey Airports, before being named deputy director of aviation two years ago. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology and an MBA from Dowling College. He is an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives as well as a licensed pilot.
The Port Authority oversees operations at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Teterboro, and Stewart International airports, and has a management agreement at Atlantic City International Airport. Together, these facilities handled a record 124.2 million passengers in 2015 and helped spur regional economic growth that generated more than $84.7 billion in economic activity.
Prior to his retirement, which takes effect next month, Bosco served as general manager of LaGuardia Airport and in various staff and operations management positions at the World Trade Center, and at JFK and Newark airports.
A 1980 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Bosco served six years on active duty and 18 years in the Army National Guard and Reserve as an officer and helicopter pilot. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Storm and received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone. Following 9/11, he led his National Guard battalion in providing perimeter security for emergency workers at the World Trade Center site, before retiring as a Colonel from the Army in 2004.
“Tom has made great contributions over the course of his career to the Port Authority, and we thank him for his many years of extraordinary leadership and service,” Foye said.