Delaware River and Bay Authority executive director to retire, successor named

Delaware River and Bay Authority officials announced Jan. 9 that Executive Director Scott A. Green will retire in early February. Green has served in the position since April 2012. The board of commissioners unanimously selected Thomas J. Cook as the next executive director; the board action took place at a special meeting Jan. 9.

"I am extremely proud of the DRBA and of the people who work on our bridges and ferries, and at our airports," said Green. "Every single day, no matter the conditions, they show up excited to provide safe, customer-friendly service for our customers." As executive director, Green focused on fiscal responsibility and customer service. "The DRBA does not receive tax revenue from the two states that it serves, so it has a special obligation to its customers to provide great service in a way that is self-sustainable," he said.

"I am honored to have served with Scott Green. In five short years as executive director, Scott revamped and revitalized the Delaware River and Bay Authority in its entirety," said William E. Lowe III, chairman of the DRBA board of commissioners. "We are fortunate Mr. Green chose to bring his acumen, intellect and personality to the DRBA."

During Green's administration, he emphasized customer service, workplace safety and employee education. Cape May-Lewes Ferry ridership rose for the first time in decades, and ferry terminals were rebranded as community gathering places that offer outstanding waterfront restaurants, concerts and events. The DRBA and state and local governments worked as partners to develop new and improved facilities at DRBA airports and the ferry, including a recent initiative to promote the safe development of the drone industry in New Jersey and Delaware.

Cook said, "I appreciate and value the confidence that the commissioners have in my abilities to lead the Delaware River and Bay Authority. Public service is important to me, and the authority operates and manages significant transportation infrastructure vital to our region. This is a great opportunity to use the myriad of skills and knowledge that I've gained throughout my professional career to make a difference for the citizens of Delaware and New Jersey. I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women of the authority to further our transportation and economic development missions which have flourished under the leadership of the current Executive Director Scott A. Green."

Prior to joining the DRBA, Cook served as secretary of finance for the State of Delaware for nearly seven years. During his tenure, Delaware was one of only nine states to hold AAA bond rating from all three major rating agencies. As Delaware's longest-serving finance secretary, Cook led the development and implementation of the state's sports lottery system and was one of the major architects responsible for updating Delaware's corporate tax laws to incentivize businesses to locate in Delaware. 

"As Delaware's Secretary of Finance Tom Cook has a proven track record of tackling tough issues and achieving goals," said Lowe. "Tom is a highly respected and experienced leader whose background makes him ideally suited for his new role as executive director. We look forward to working with him."

"Mr. Cook has the right combination of government experience and business acumen to make a great agency even better," said Vice Chairman James N. Hogan. "We're pleased that Tom will lend his talents, leadership abilities and problem-solving skills to the DRBA. He's a great addition to lead our management team." Cook, who will officially begin his duties Feb. 6, is the authority's fifth executive director since its inception in 1962.