The Massachusetts Port Authority voted Wednesday to offer its top job to a former Massachusetts transportation secretary and the current head of New York’s subway system, Richard Davey.
Davey was named earlier this month as one of two finalists for the CEO job at Massport, alongside Miami-Dade County Transportation and Public Works CEO Eulois Cleckley. At the time, Davey denied rumors that he was leaving New York City Transit.
Massport offered Davey a $420,000 starting salary beginning no later than Sept. 9, according to a release from the agency. That salary is level with what interim CEO Ed Freni, who is also Massport’s director of aviation, is earning this year.
Massport is one of the largest quasi-public agencies in Massachusetts, overseeing Logan Airport, Hanscom Field, Worcester Regional Airport, the port of Boston’s container terminal and cruises that come in and out of the state. The organization employs more than 1,300 people and generates over $20 billion annually.
Prior to moving to New York, Davey had a long career in Massachusetts’ transportation sector. He was the general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company, the state’s former commuter rail contractor, before being named the general manager of the MBTA in 2010.
During his time as transportation secretary under Gov. Deval Patrick, Davey led the administration’s push for a 2013 transportation financing law, and oversaw major projects like the MBTA’s Green Line extension -- which began running almost a decade later -- and the South Coast commuter rail extension -- which has not yet been completed. He also chaired the Massport board of directors in that role.
“Rich Davey comes with extensive experience both here in Massachusetts and most recently in New York. I look forward to working with him and his team at Massport,” Gov. Maura Healey told reporters after an unrelated event Wednesday.
The announcement from Massport said nearly 100 people expressed interest in the job.
