NEW CASTLE, Del.  Yesterday, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 25-31 to appoint Joel Coppadge of Wilmington, Delaware, to be the agency’s next Executive Director.  The board action took place at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting held in the James Julian Boardroom at the New Castle Administration complex.

“I want to thank the Commissioners for their faith in my ability to handle the responsibilities of Executive Director and I am honored that Governor Meyer and Governor Murphy have confidence in me to lead this vital transportation organization on the behalf of the citizens of the States of Delaware and New Jersey,” stated Coppadge.  “I welcome the opportunity to create and support an environment that enables staff to achieve their potential and the Authority to realize its objectives and goals. I look forward to working with the Commissioners and fellow colleagues as we write the next chapter in the DRBA success story.”

Prior to joining the Authority, Mr. Coppadge most recently served as CEO & President of LuckyQ Solutions, LLC, a real estate investment and management firm specializing in economic development.  Previously, he held many key roles in managed health care companies, working up to become Vice President at Aetna and Coventry Health Care, Inc.  During his tenure, he was primarily responsible for the $20B Medicaid business overseeing operations in various locations across the country. 

A long time Delawarean, Mr. Coppadge graduated from Dover High School and subsequently received his BS in Business Administration at Delaware State University.

Mr. Coppadge’s commitment to public service extends across many arenas and includes coaching various youth soccer, track/field and basketball teams, serving as a Board Member of The First Tee of Delaware, the State of Delaware Plan Management Board, the Judicial Nomination Committee, Board member of The Pointe Condominium, member of Canaan Baptist Church, former President and Board of Directors for Police Athletic League, former Board President for Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, former Board member Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame.   He continues to be heavily involved with the many Delaware State University civic efforts including alumni mentoring, the Athletic Council, Victory Club, Men’s Alumni Basketball Organization and NCC Alumni Association.  In 2017, the Joel and Arlene Coppadge Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to aid qualifying students further their educational goals. 

“Mr. Coppadge is a highly respected and experienced leader whose background makes him ideally suited for his new role as Executive Director,” said Vice Chairman Samuel E. Lathem who leads the Delaware Commission delegation.  “I look forward to working closely with him as we continue the momentum we’ve created over the past several years.”

“With his skillset, knowledge, and civic-minded background, Mr. Coppadge has the right tools to make a positive difference here at the DRBA,” said DRBA Chairman Earl Ransome.  “I look forward to working with him to further the DRBA’s transportation and economic development missions.” 

Mr. Coppadge will officially begin his duties July 14, 2025, and is the Authority’s sixth Executive Director since its inception in 1962.  He is also the first African-American to hold the appointed position.

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority 
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.