NY/NJ Port Authority names Bilich as new Chief Security Officer

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently named John Bilich as the agency’s new permanent Chief Security Officer.

Bilich, a former New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner of Operations, had most recently been serving as the Port Authority’s Acting Chief Security Officer since December 2016.

Formed in 2012 to unify safety and security operations within the agency’s multi-state transportation facilities, the Port Authority’s Chief Security Officer oversees an 1,800-member department and a variety of critical security functions to ensure the safety of those within the New York City Metropolitan area.

After serving 24 years with the New York City Police Department, Bilich began work with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice as Deputy Commissioner for Public Safety, where he oversaw operations aimed at reducing crime over 17 counties.

Upon his departure from the department, he worked in various capacities within the Brooklyn and Manhattan District Attorney’s Offices before joining the Port Authority in March 2015 as the organization’s First Deputy Chief Security Officer.

“John is a world-class law enforcement professional whose dedication and leadership will help us to better protect the public and the critical transportation assets that we operate and maintain,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. “John’s efforts in the time he’s been with us have already strengthened and unified our security operations, and we are confident he will continue to fulfill this critical role.”