Dennis Lombardi

“Public Service Means Doing the Right Thing” - When I joined the Port Authority in 1984, I thought I was going to work in the maritime industry and I didn't give a moment's thought to the public service aspect of the organization. Sure, I knew that the Port Authority was a public agency, but I focused on my job and didn't see the bigger picture.

It took me a few years to find my calling doing leasing and operations and to realize I was working for the people of the region, and we usually did the "right thing," not only based on finances, but also to promote jobs, tonnage, and other regional benefits. I loved being one of the good guys and doing the "right thing."

As I became more senior and got exposed to high level negotiations doing the right thing became harder, but the Port Authority staff I worked alongside always had that same do the "right thing" attitude. As the Port Authority turns 100 this year, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to work with the best public servants in the world's best public agency.