The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced last week the appointment of James Ports, Jr. to the position of executive director of the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).
He has served as MDOT’s deputy secretary of operations since 2015.
He was appointed to the position by the MDTA’s Board, effective immediately. In his new position, Ports is in charge of the agency’s 1,700 employees, the state’s eight toll facilities and the E-ZPass Maryland system. He will work on policy alongside the board, manage the MDTA’s daily operations, its budget, and a six-year capital program that amounts to $3.1 billion.
“I’m honored to have the trust of the Hogan Administration and the Chairman and Board members of the MDTA,” Ports said. “Working side by side with the outstanding MDTA team, we’ll build on efforts to serve our citizens by constructing, operating, and improving Maryland’s toll facilities. I thank Chief Operating Officer John O’Neill for his leadership as the MDTA’s Acting Executive Director since April.”
In addition to serving as MDOT deputy secretary, Ports has also served as administrator and CEO of the Harford County Transit System and deputy administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1991 to 2002.
“The MDOT family has benefitted tremendously from Jim’s breadth of experience and knowledge in transportation and operations, and I’m confident he will continue to deliver positive results and outstanding customer service at the MDTA,” MDOT Secretary and MDTA Chairman Pete Rahn said.