Samson Elected Chairman of The Port Authority of New York & NJ
February 3, 2011
Wolff & Samson founder and senior member David Samson has been elected the 18th Chairman of The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Initially nominated by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in September 2010, Port Authority board members approved the nomination after Samson was confirmed by the State Senate on January 25, 2011.
“I have enormous faith and trust in David Samson, his leadership qualities and ability to guide the policies of the Port Authority,” said Governor Christie. “With his background and experience in public life, he is particularly suited to serve the agency, New Jersey and New York, at this critical time as we work together to maximize our shared resources to expand commercial opportunities and prosperity in the port region.”
Samson succeeds Anthony R. Coscia, who served as Chairman since April 2003. In this capacity, Samson will work closely with the Governors of New York and New Jersey in developing overall transportation and economic development policies for the bi-state agency. While the responsibilities of Chairman are significant, the Port Authority’s day-to-day operations are conducted by a full-time executive staff, allowing Samson to continue in his role as leader of the Wolff & Samson law firm.
“It is an honor and a privilege to lead this distinguished agency as it takes on some of the most transformative transportation projects in its 90-year history. During the upcoming years, our mission is clear. We will continue to address the region’s major transportation needs, including Bayonne Bridge modernization, and to drive economic competitiveness and job creation in the port region with a commitment to fiscal responsibility,” Chairman Samson said.
In 2009, Samson was counsel to Chris Christie’s gubernatorial election campaign and subsequently served as the Chairman of the Transition Committee for Governor Christie. Previously, Samson served as New Jersey Attorney General in 2002-2003.
About Wolff & Samson PC
Wolff & Samson PC is a regional law firm of more than 120 attorneys based in West Orange, NJ. The firm provides a wide range of legal services in many areas, including: banking and finance; bankruptcy and creditors’ rights; construction; corporate and securities; corporate internal investigations and monitoring; employee benefits and executive compensation; employment; environmental; fidelity and surety; financial services litigation and investigations; health care and hospital; information security; intellectual property; litigation; media and technology; private equity; product liability and toxic tort; public finance; real estate, development and land use; regulatory affairs; renewable energy and sustainability; restrictive covenant, trade secret and unfair competition; tax; trusts and estates; and white collar criminal defense.
About The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey was established in 1921 and was the first interstate agency created under a clause of the Constitution that permits compacts between states with Congressional consent. It conceives, builds, operates and maintains infrastructure critical to the New York/New Jersey region’s trade and transportation network. Since its founding, the Port Authority has worked to improve the quality of life for the more than 17 million people who live and work in New York and New Jersey - a region that supports 8.6 million jobs with an estimated gross regional product of more than $929 billion.
