While SUNY Maritime wasn’t Bethann’s first choice, it turned out to be the perfect fit for her. Struggling with severe dyslexia and learning disabilities, Bethann had always found school to be a challenge. However, she thrived when it came to the hands-on seafaring and maritime classes, confirming that she was on the right path.

Rick Larrabee, Bethann Rooney and Lillian Borrone

Bethann demonstrated exceptional leadership during this critical time, showing a strong sense of urgency and a deep understanding of the delicate balance between security and the efficient flow of commerce.  Working alongside Rick Larrabee, she thrived in her position, creating a program that integrated security into operations rather than treating them as distinct entities.

In 2014, Bethann was promoted to Assistant Director, Strategy and Innovation after 13-plus successful years in the highly visible role of Security Manager. During this time, she initiated the Port Performance Task Force, which evolved into the Council on Port Performance. By emphasizing integration in her work, she aimed to unify different elements of the supply chain, boosting overall efficiency and productivity while improving port operations.  Bethann is confident this approach to treating the supply chain as a collaborative ecosystem helped the port get through the pandemic as well as it did.

Bethann's perseverance and determination led to her appointment as Deputy Port Director in 2019, and her subsequent promotion to the position of Port Director in 2022. With her wealth of expertise in operations and security, as well as her strong focus on teamwork and innovative problem-solving, she was the perfect choice to oversee all aspects of port operations and lead a team of skilled professionals.

Under her leadership, Bethann has spearheaded substantial growth and progress at the port, implementing groundbreaking initiatives such as channel widening and additional deepening, to accommodate larger vessels and improvements to rail access. She remains focused on enhancing efficiency and security, all the while promoting inclusivity and diversity within the industry.

A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Bethann actively emphasizes the importance of women asserting themselves in industry conversations. Through her mentorship and guidance, numerous women on her team have been inspired to take on more responsibility and contribute significantly to critical industry events. She encourages active participation and advises them to take their place at the decision-making table, playing a key role in advancing diversity within the industry. Her professional journey serves as a testament to her leadership, resilience and unwavering commitment to enhancing the industry.

Additionally, Bethann has demonstrated the significance of embracing new technologies and adjusting to the evolving landscape of the industry. She values the drive and innovative outlook of young professionals, encouraging them to leverage their skills and enthusiasm for public service to enhance further efficiencies in the maritime sector.

With her remarkable professional journey and unwavering commitment, Bethann has cemented her position as a trailblazer in the maritime sector. Her experience highlights the importance of perseverance, determination, and the impact of having supportive mentors. Bethann's innovative approach to solving problems, her commitment to collaboration, and her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have not only garnered her admiration as a well-respected leader but also as a true catalyst for positive change in the industry.

Bethann Rooney, Port Director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, began her maritime journey after a serendipitous meeting with King's Point midshipmen at a retreat toward the end of her senior year in high school.  Despite her parents' preference for her to pursue  her original passion, accounting, Bethann's fascination with a life at sea led her to pursue a career in the maritime industry, even though she had never heard of it before the retreat. Fueled by her determination and without any guidance, she accidentally applied to SUNY Maritime at Fort Schuyler instead of King's Point.

Overcoming her dyslexia and learning disabilities, Bethann defied the odds, proving herself to be a formidable presence in the maritime industry. After earning her degree from SUNY Maritime College, she fearlessly embarked on a journey alongside other courageous women, taking on diverse roles ranging from marine engineering to ship piloting. Together, Bethann and her female classmates shattered barriers and debunked stereotypes.

Her unconventional career journey showcases her resilience, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to forging her own way in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Despite being the sole woman among 32 crew members on her first commercial ship, she loved being at sea. Although her dream of earning her US Coast Guard Unlimited Master’s License and becoming a ship’s captain  was dashed due to her imperfect eyesight, she didn't give up. Instead, she shifted her focus and began learning about shipping, but this time ashore.

Starting out at General Steamship, she delved into the business side of the industry. Fast forward to 1993, when Ken Spahn, one of her mentors, brought her on board at the Port Authority to work in operations. As a Fort Schuyler alum himself, Ken understood the value of a Maritime College education and  sea time. That, combined with her experience at General Steamship and her drive, was enough for Ken to determine that she belonged on his team.

Another mentor, Lillian Borrone, encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone in operations and become part of the team based at the original World Trade Center to gain insight into intermodal transportation. This experience provided significant career growth, and it was Rick Larrabee, yet another mentor, who ultimately reshaped her career trajectory.

On September 12, 2001, within hours of the terrorist attacks, Rick  assigned Bethann the new role of Security Manager, responsible for safeguarding the port against terrorism. Despite grieving the loss of friends and colleagues, Bethann was tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive security plan from scratch. These were unchartered waters, and she carried the burden of knowing that mistakes could have fatal consequences. Bethann ultimately developed a program that has been recognized and awarded by the US Department of Homeland Security and upheld as a model for other ports to follow.