NRBP’s 2026 Transportation Awards Breakfast to Feature Port Authority’s Kevin O’Toole and NJ Department of Transportation’s Priya Jain

Newark, NJ (May 5, 2026) — The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) will host its 2026 Transportation Awards Breakfast on Monday, May 11, 8 – 11 a.m., at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey, convening business leaders, transportation professionals, and public sector partners to celebrate excellence and innovation across the transportation industry. This annual program recognizes the leadership and dedication that strengthen Newark’s role as a premier transportation hub and gateway for commerce and connectivity. It is spearheaded by NRBP’s Transportation Council, a group of industry professionals representing a broad cross-section of organizations, agencies, and firms across the transportation sector.

This year’s program will honor 13 leaders and feature remarks from Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and Priya Jain, newly appointed Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation.  Chairman O’Toole will open with insights on the evolving landscape of regional transportation and infrastructure, offering a timely perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the region. Following her appointment earlier this spring, Commissioner Jain will share her vision for the future of NJ’s transportation systems.  

In keeping with tradition, the 2026 Transportation Awards Breakfast will honor both industry leaders and frontline workers whose contributions ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the region.

“Newark’s strength as a transportation hub is made possible by the leadership and dedication of the individuals we are proud to recognize through this program,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President and CEO of NRBP. “This program celebrates their contributions and highlights the critical role transportation plays in supporting economic growth and opportunity across our region.”

2026 Honorees
This year’s honorees span aviation, rail, highway, and regional planning, reflecting the full breadth of our region’s transportation ecosystem.

Career Achievement
Mary K. Murphy, Director, Planning and Regional Development, Port Authority of NY & NJ
Louis Millan, Sr. Program Director – Capital Planning, NJ TRANSIT

Leadership
Parth Oza, P.E., Assistant Commissioner, Capital Program Management, New Jersey Department of Transportation
Rebecca L. Scanlon, Deputy Director, Right of Way & Access Management, New Jersey Department of Transportation
Anthony Fevola, Chief Engineer, NJ TRANSIT
William Bisirri, Deputy Chief Engineer, NJ TRANSIT
Jon Gooda, Vice President, Newark Hub, United Airlines
Darlene Del Rosario, Director, Station Operations Center and Move Team, United Airlines
Jeannie Kwon, Vice President, Mega Program Development & Coordination and Major Stations, Amtrak
Jessica Posner, Capital Construction Manager, Amtrak
Ralph J. D’Apuzzo, Assistant Director, Aviation Redevelopment, Port Authority of NY & NJ
Ryan Hatch, Program Director, AirTrain Newark Replacement, Port Authority of NY & NJ
Zoe Baldwin, Vice President, State Programs, Regional Plan Association

The Transportation Awards Breakfast is supported by United Airlines, the Transportation Series Sponsor, and event sponsors AECOM, GFT, InGroup, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and Tonio Burgos & Associates.

Business and community leaders are invited to join NRBP in recognizing this year’s honorees and to engage in meaningful dialogue on the future of transportation in Greater Newark.
Visit NRBP’s events calendar  to register.

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About Newark Regional Business Partnership
As the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect, expand their networks, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to a vibrant and competitive Greater Newark economic ecosystem. Through convenings, programs, and strategic partnerships, NRBP works to support business growth and advance Newark’s economic vitality. For more information about NRBP, visit www.newarkrbp.org.