The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is pleased to announce several senior staff announcements for the Port of New York and New Jersey that strengthen leadership across Port Facilities, Capital and Planning, and Business Solutions. These leaders reflect the depth of experience and commitment within the organization and support the Port’s continued growth, competitiveness, and operational excellence.

Paul Lucien Promoted to General Manager, Port Facilities

Paul Lucien has returned to the Port as General Manager, Port Facilities, where he will oversee all aspects of operations, maintenance, security, state-of-good-repair improvements, and property management across Port Newark, Elizabeth–Port Authority Marine Terminal, Port Jersey–Port Authority Marine Terminal and Greenville Yard facilities in Bayonne and Jersey City, and Howland Hook in Staten Island.

Paul brings more than 23 years of experience with the Port Authority, having held leadership roles in engineering, facility maintenance, asset management, contract administration, and facility management. Most recently, he served as General Manager of the Holland Tunnel. He previously held the position of Deputy General Manager at New Jersey Marine Terminals.

A Licensed Professional Engineer, Paul holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Manhattan College.

Patrick Thrasher Promoted to Assistant Director, Capital and Planning

Patrick Thrasher has been promoted to Assistant Director, Capital and Planning. In this role, he will lead the planning, development, management, and delivery of the Port’s Capital and Agency Major Maintenance Programs. He will also guide strategic planning efforts to enhance Port productivity and competitiveness, improve cargo logistics flow, and promote environmentally responsible growth.

Patrick has more than 17 years of service with the Port Authority. He joined the agency as a Leadership Fellow in 2008 and, after completing the program, served as Senior Environmental Program Specialist at New York Marine Terminals. Since joining the Capital and Planning unit in 2012, he has held multiple roles with increasing responsibility.

Patrick earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Swarthmore College and a master’s degree in public policy and urban planning from Harvard University.

Amanda Valdes Promoted to Assistant Director, Business Solutions

Amanda Valdes has been promoted to Assistant Director, Business Solutions. She will provide leadership and oversight of critical functions that support the Port’s business operations and staff, as well as agency-wide obligations. These areas include Business Services, Financial Services, Port Policy and Planning, Market Analysis and Research, Asset Management, and Geographic Information Systems.

Amanda joined the Port Authority in 2001 as a management trainee in the Audit Department and joined the Port in 2007. She has since held a series of leadership roles, most recently serving as Manager of Business Development and Industry Relations. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and trade and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Peter’s University.

Together, these teams deliver administrative, financial, policy, planning, research and analytical support to ensure the Port of New York and New Jersey can work efficiently and effectively while enabling data-driven business and resource decisions.