PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The head of the Philadelphia Parking Authority is stepping down and taking over the reins of the Port of Philadelphia.
PhilaPort CEO Jeff Theobald announced his retirement in December and, though there was a national search for his replacement, the board chose one of its own members, Rich Lazer, to take his place.
Lazer, whose grandfather worked at the port, said he’s excited to take on the challenge.
“We have the blueprint to hit the ground running, so the first thing when I get over there, I want to get these berths built and get this other terminal up and operational,” he said. “That whole Lower South — with the port, the Navy Yard, the Bellwether District — being one of the poorest big cities, that area right there can almost solve one of the biggest issues we have in the city if we do it the right way and we work together.”
Lazer said he will miss the PPA. In just over three years at its helm, he has taken it from abhorred to adored, shifting its mission from writing tickets to public safety and quality of life.
“I do love the folks at the PPA, the staff, the team we’ve built here,” he said. “I’m just excited that it’s been this successful and that our employees feel it, so when they go out into neighborhoods and they’re doing the work now, a lot of times they’re welcomed.”
His deputy, Gabe Roberts, will take over as interim on June 1, when Lazer starts his new job at the port.
