Christopher O. Ward
Christopher Owen Ward | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 11, 1954 Princeton, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Government official |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Known for | Executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (2008–2011); Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (2002–2005) |
Christopher Owen Ward (b. 1954) is a United States government official who held the position of executive director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from May 1, 2008, until November 1, 2011. Prior to this role, he was commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection between 2002 and 2005.
Early life
Born on October 11, 1954, in Princeton, New Jersey, Ward is the son of Barbara Carnes and John William Ward. His father was a professor who chaired the Special Program in American Civilization at Princeton University and served as president of Amherst College from 1971 to 1979, during which time he guided the institution through its shift to coeducation. Additionally, John William Ward headed the Ward Commission, appointed by Governor Michael Dukakis, tasked with probing political corruption related to Massachusetts construction contracts.
Ward completed his undergraduate studies at Macalester College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. Before pursuing graduate education at Harvard Divinity School, where he obtained a Master of Theological Studies, he gained practical experience working as a mechanic on an oil rig operated by Pennzoil in the Gulf of Mexico. His older brother is David C. Ward. Christopher Ward is married to Pamela Cook, and together they have two children named Katherine and John.
New York City official
During the administration of Mayor Ed Koch, Ward held the position of director of research at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs from 1982 until 1988. He subsequently served as assistant commissioner for the New York City Department of Telecommunications and Energy from 1988 through 1992. Under Mayor David Dinkins, Ward played a role in negotiating with utility companies Con Edison and Hydro-Quebec regarding expansion plans for the Northern Canada hydropower network. Following this period, from 1992 to 1995, he was senior vice president for transportation and commerce at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
While at NYCEDC, Ward spearheaded the acquisition of the Staten Island Railroad with the goal of reinstating rail freight operations to the Howland Hook Marine Terminal. This project was supported by funding secured through Congresswoman Susan Molinari. The initiative aimed to strengthen competition among regional ports by offering an alternative to those located in New Jersey.
Ward was appointed commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, serving from 2002 to 2005. His leadership encompassed promoting the implementation of the Long Island Sound Nitrogen Reduction Program, obtaining federal authorization for the Filtration Avoidance Agreement that safeguards water quality in Upstate reservoirs, and managing both financing and completion efforts for Manhattan’s section of the third water tunnel.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Between 1997 and 2002, Ward held the position of chief external affairs officer and director of port development at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, working under Executive Directors Robert E. Boyle and Neil Levin. During this period, he spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive port strategy and managed the 50-foot channel deepening initiative at the Port of New York and New Jersey. Additionally, Ward played a key role in obtaining approval for the Airtrain serving JFK Airport. He is also recognized as a survivor of the 9/11 attacks.
Following David Paterson's appointment as governor, he nominated Ward to serve as executive director of the Port Authority, a position Ward took on starting May 1, 2008. He held this leadership role under Governors Paterson and Andrew Cuomo until his departure in November 2011, after which Pat Foye, appointed by Cuomo, succeeded him.
In his capacity as executive director, Ward managed the ambitious project to expand Penn Station into the adjacent James Farley Post Office, resulting in what is now known as the Moynihan Train Hall. In July 2008, he publicly disclosed that construction at the World Trade Center site would experience delays and increased expenses compared to initial estimates. Despite this, the adjusted timeline ensured that the 9/11 Memorial was completed in time for its tenth anniversary.
Ward also launched renovation efforts at LaGuardia Airport, oversaw the replacement of terminal 3 used by Delta Air Lines at JFK, and negotiated a long-term lease agreement with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) for operations at the Elizabeth Marine Terminal. He was a strong proponent of the Access to the Region's Core initiative aimed at enhancing mass transit capacity between New York and New Jersey; however, this project was ultimately suspended by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, delaying plans for a new tunnel under the Hudson River.
Private sector
Ward’s private sector experience includes serving as director of Business Development at American Stevedoring, a shipping firm based in Red Hook, Brooklyn, from 1996 to 1997. He later returned to American Stevedoring as CEO from 2005 to 2006 before assuming the role of managing director at the General Contractors Association of New York, Inc. (GCA).
After departing from PANYNJ, Ward has dedicated his efforts toward expanding opportunities for MWBE (Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises) and enhancing environmental infrastructure within New York City, with particular focus on addressing issues such as intracity truck congestion.
From 2016 through 2024, Ward chaired the Waterfront Alliance, championing improved public access to the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary and advancing strategies for long-term climate resilience. He also holds a position on the board of trustees for Four Freedoms Park.