To further its vision for resilience and sustainability, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced it had hired two new officers to oversee climate and strategic planning.
Jill Valdes Horwood will take the helm as the agency’s first chief climate and resilience officer, while Emir Skokic will take the position of chief planning officer. The positions further Massport’s goal of Net Zero by 2031. The agency has committed more than $500 million in investments to Net Zero projects over the next five years, which will lay the groundwork for future reductions, officials said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jill Valdes Horwood and Emir Skokic to our leadership team at Massport,” Massport CEO Rich Davey said. “Jill brings a strong track record in climate policy and advocacy that will be critical as we continue our Net Zero initiatives and prepare for the long-term impacts of climate change. Emir’s strategic insight and broad experience across complex industries will strengthen our planning efforts and support key projects across aviation, maritime, and real estate. Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to position Massport for a more sustainable and resilient future.”
Officials said Horwood will focus on Net Zero initiatives while preparing for and successfully managing the impacts of climate change. Skokic will oversee “big-picture planning” for transportation and environmental systems, while leading key projects supporting in aviation, maritime and real estate.
Previously, Horwood served as the director of the Boston Waterfront Initiative at the Barr Foundation and as Boston Harbor Now’s Director of Policy. She holds a J.D. with a certificate in Public Interest Law from DePaul University College of Law and an LL.M in Maritime Law from the University of Miami, where she received her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She also holds a Master of Science in Maritime Business Management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Skokic was previously with Boston Consulting Group where he worked as a principal. His work spans large-scale transformations, growth strategy, cost optimization and operational improvement across several industries. Skokic has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in strategy and entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University, majoring in Government with a minor in Economics.