PhilaPort Board Selects Rich Lazer as Next Executive Director and CEO

Philadelphia, April 21, 2026 — The Board of Directors of PhilaPort has selected Rich Lazer as the next Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of PhilaPort, ushering in a new chapter for one of America’s fastest-growing ports. Lazer will succeed Jeff Theobald, who announced his retirement in December after a decade of transformative leadership. Lazer is expected to assume the role on June 1, 2026.

Lazer, who currently serves as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority has earned a reputation as a respected public-sector leader with vast experience in labor relations, operations management, stakeholder engagement, and complex negotiations. Prior to leading the PPA, he held senior leadership positions in Philadelphia city government, most recently serving as Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor for Labor under former Mayor Jim Kenney. Lazer has also served as a member of the PhilaPort Board of Directors since 2019, giving him direct knowledge of the port’s operations, strategic priorities, and long-term growth initiatives.

“Rich is a proven leader with deep roots in Philadelphia and a strong record of delivering results,” said PhilaPort Board Chairman Michael Pearson. “His leadership experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to public service make him exceptionally well-positioned to guide PhilaPort into its next era of growth and opportunity.”

“The Board’s selection committee conducted a thorough and highly competitive search process in partnership with Korn Ferry that drew more than 100 applicants from across the globe,” said David Maser, PhilaPort Board Member and Selection Committee Chair. “Rich distinguished himself through every stage of the process with his leadership credentials, strategic vision, and clear understanding of what it takes to build on PhilaPort’s momentum. We are confident he is the right person to lead the organization forward.”

He will take the helm of an organization that has seen historic progress under Theobald’s leadership. Since 2016, PhilaPort more than doubled cargo volumes, secured over 180 acres for expansion, completed the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project, advanced nearly $1 billion in capital improvements, became financially self-sustaining for the first time in its history, and reintroduced cruise operations to Philadelphia through the launch of the new PhilaPort Cruise Terminal.

“PhilaPort has tremendous momentum and even greater potential ahead,” said Rich Lazer. “I am honored by the Board’s confidence and excited for the opportunity to work alongside our employees, maritime partners, labor workforce, and stakeholders to continue growing jobs, investment, and opportunity for Philadelphia and the Commonwealth.”

“Jeff Theobald has been one of the most consequential leaders in PhilaPort’s modern history, transforming the organization through vision, determination, and results,” Pearson added. “Under his leadership, PhilaPort achieved historic growth, delivered generational infrastructure investments, strengthened its competitive position on the East Coast, and charted a bold course for the future. We are deeply grateful for his decade of service and the lasting legacy he leaves for Philadelphia, the Commonwealth, and our maritime industry.”

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve PhilaPort during such an exciting period of growth and transformation, and to work alongside an extraordinary team, our Board, maritime partners, labor workforce, and stakeholders across the region,” said Jeff Theobald. “When I arrived in 2016, we set ambitious goals to modernize our facilities, deepen the channel, attract new global partners, and build a strong foundation for the future, and together, we achieved them. I am proud of all we accomplished, and I am confident PhilaPort is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead. I congratulate Rich and look forward to supporting a smooth transition.”