DRBA Management Team
Welcome to the Delaware River and Bay Authority
A Message from executive director Joel V. Coppadge
Thank you for your interest in the Delaware River & Bay Authority!
The DRBA is a dynamic organization responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Delaware Memorial Bridge Twin Span, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Forts Ferry Crossing, five regional airports, and Veterans Memorial Park. While these facilities are constructed of steel, concrete, and other building materials, we know that they are really about people -- the people who had the courage of their convictions to follow a dream; the people who labored to construct them; the people who continue to maintain them, and the people who use these transportation facilities each and every day.
The Authority's accomplishments are the result of dedicated people who work tirelessly to exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders. Together, we are proud to provide safe, efficient, and comfortable crossings of the Delaware River and Delaware Bay between Delaware and New Jersey.
As an agency, we have the obligation to look forward. By investing in things that matter -- our facilities, our people, our services -- we will continue to serve our compact states and this region by offering outstanding transportation services, customer-oriented employees and economic opportunities. We hope our website provides you with the information you need, and we hope to see you at one of our facilities in the near future.
Meet the management team
Joel V. Coppadge
Executive Director
Ceil Smith
Deputy Executive Director
Victor A. Ferzetti
Chief Financial Officer
Geraldine D. Owens
Chief Information Officer
Charlotte L. Crowell
Chief Human Resources Officer.
Vincent P. Meconi
Chief Operations Officer
our commissioners
The DRBA's governing board is composed of twelve Commissioners – six each from New Jersey and Delaware – who are appointed by their respective Governor. An affirmative vote of four members from each state delegation is required to pass a board action. The Commissioners do not receive compensation for their service on the bi-state agency board. Together, this diverse group of dedicated individuals represents a broad cross-section of the people the DRBA serves throughout Delaware and Southern New Jersey. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission rotate between the two states every two years.
State Governors
The Delaware River and Bay Authority, is a bi-state government agency created to provide providing vital transportation links between the states of Delaware and New Jersey.
Matt Meyer
Governor of Delaware
The Delaware River and Bay Authority, is a bi-state government agency created providing vital transportation links between the states of Delaware and New Jersey.
Mikie Sherrill
Governor of New Jersey
The Delaware River and Bay Authority, is a bi-state government agency created providing vital transportation links between the states of Delaware and New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the DRBA management team oversee?
DRBA's management team oversees the operations, maintenance, and safety of several public infrastructure facilities across Delaware and New Jersey. This includes the Delaware Memorial Bridge Twin Span, the Cape May - Lewes Ferry, Forts Ferry Crossing, five regional airports, and Veterans Memorial Park.
What is the difference between DRBA's Commissioners and its management team?
The Commissioners are a twelve-member governing board appointed by the Governors of Delaware and New Jersey. They set policy and vote on board actions. The management team, led by the Executive Director, handles day-to-day operations of DRBA's facilities.
What are the duties of a state governor?
Within DRBA's structure, the Governors of Delaware and New Jersey each appoint six Commissioners to the bi-state board. Commissioners serve without pay and vote on major board actions, requiring four affirmative votes from each state's delegation to pass.
How are state governors elected?
Delaware and New Jersey's Governors are elected by their state's voters to four-year terms. Each then appoints six Commissioners to DRBA's board, with the Chair and Vice Chair rotating between states every two years.
Who is the Executive Director of the DRBA?
As of August 2025, Joel V. Coppadge serves as DRBA's Executive Director, leading the management team responsible for the Authority's bridge, ferries, airports, and other facilities.
How can I contact DRBA's management team?
Contact information for DRBA's management team and general inquiries is available on the Authority’s Contact Us page.
How can I join the DRBA management team?
DRBA fills management and leadership roles through its standard hiring process as openings become available. Interested candidates can monitor current job postings on DRBA's careers page and apply directly for open positions. The two exceptions are the Executive Director who is appointed by the Governor of Delaware, and the Deputy Executive Director who is appointed by the Governor of New Jersey.
