Jim Heitmann
Chief Operating Officer
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

James D. Heitmann became the Chief Operating Officer in May, 2023.

Jim began his Port Authority career in 1986 as an Engineering Trainee, the predecessor of today’s Engineering Associates program, where he rotated through the various divisions within the Engineering Department. He advanced through the ranks within Engineering, and from there, transitioned to facility operations and maintenance. Jim spent over ten years at Newark Liberty Airport in increasingly responsible positions culminating as the Deputy General Manager in 2011 where he ensured the safe, secure, and efficient management of day-to-day operations of the facility. As General Manager and later Deputy Director of Aviation Development, Jim focused exclusively on Aviation Redevelopment programs, working to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to advance these critical projects. As Director, he has provided high-level leadership for the airport redevelopment programs with respect to deal making, strategy, policy, and overall direction.

In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Jim oversees the agency’s five lines of business – Aviation, Port, PATH, Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals, and the World Trade Center – as well as the Operations Services Department. His experience in both facility operations and redevelopment is invaluable as the Port Authority continues to enhance operational excellence across all of our facilities and advance transformative redevelopment projects.