Life-long Philadelphian to lead the bi-state agency’s 16-member board
CAMDEN, NJ, February 17, 2021 – The Honorable Cherelle L. Parker, Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader & 9th District Councilwoman, was elected today to serve as chairwoman of the 16-member board that oversees operations of the bi-state Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).
“The Delaware River Port Authority is not only a critical part of our regional infrastructure but the continuation of our shared past and the backbone of our regional future,” said Parker. “For centuries, the Delaware River has served as the hub of commerce and growth in the region– from the days of the Indigenous Lenape tribe to the skyline of today. Collectively, the Authority’s four bridges and PATCO high-speed line serve millions of commuters and local businesses. The task ahead of us is to revitalize and strengthen the region as we keep a steady, unrelenting focus on the communities we serve. I am honored to work collaboratively with this dedicated Board of Commissioners, DRPA’s exceptional senior leadership team, and the hundreds of men and women who commit themselves to the important work of the Authority.”
Parker, upon taking over from outgoing Chairman Ryan Boyer, became the first woman elected to lead the agency’s 16-member board. In her new role, she will oversee an agency with a $305.1M annual operating budget, an $846M five-year capital budget, and an 874-member workforce.
“Five years ago, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf asked me to serve as the Chair of the Board for the DRPA,” said outgoing Chairman Ryan N. Boyer. “Working with the DRPA’s Board, the management team under the gifted leadership of CEO John Hanson, and the entire DRPA team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I leave this position knowing that it is being entrusted to a dedicated, talented, and brilliant leader like Cherelle Parker. The DRPA is in great hands.”
Chairwoman Parker earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Lincoln University. Her hallmark leadership approach is a strengths-based, positive approach to organization change and leadership. She works to build consensus to create greater efficiency and create equitable opportunities. One of her key legislative efforts during her tenure as a state legislator was the championing of Act 89 of 2013, the Commonwealth’s historic Transportation Bill to invest $2.3 billion in the state’s aging roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure.
Parker has dedicated her life to serving the City of Philadelphia, serving as a high school English teacher, senior policy advisor for the City Council of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State Representative, and as 9th District Councilwoman and Majority Leader for the City of Philadelphia. She has studied leadership and management extensively, earning numerous fellowships and certificates. Parker has distinguished herself as an advocate for working families, creating initiatives and legislation to support job creation, sustainability and economic development. As a leader whose lifelong career mission has been to bridge the divide between the have and have nots, taking the helm of our region’s bridge authority is timely, appropriate and fitting.
DRPA New Jersey Commissioner Albert F. Frattali placed Parker’s name in nomination. The nomination was seconded by Pennsylvania Commissioner Donna Powell.
“One of the most important elements of our success at the DRPA has been our ability to work collectively and collaboratively in the interests of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” said DRPA Vice-Chairman Jeffrey L. Nash. “I have had the opportunity to meet with Chairwoman Parker and have been extremely impressed by her insight and knowledge of the work of the DRPA. At a time when our nation and our region are faced with a host of significant challenges, I look forward to partnering with her as we successfully navigate the Authority through these difficult times.”
The Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey is a regional transportation agency that serves as steward of the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, and the PATCO transit line on behalf of the community. It is administered by a 16-member board of commissioners — eight each from Pennsylvania and New Jersey — who serve without compensation. Pennsylvania’s elected auditor general and treasurer are ex-officio members; others are appointed by their respective governors.
