Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn to step down after six successful years
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Board today voted to appoint Massport’s current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), John Pranckevicius, CPA, as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) beginning November 17, 2018. Thomas P. Glynn, Ph.D announced his resignation after six years with the Authority. The Board will begin a search process that may extend beyond Glynn’s departure date.
“This is a great job, but after six years and at the age of 72, I feel it is a good time to pass the baton to the next leader who will have the chance to lead a great team,” said Glynn.
Glynn’s tenure as Executive Director and CEO at Massport will be remembered for the growth of international flights at Logan Airport; revitalization of the Working Port of Boston and Worcester Regional Airport; and the Omni Hotel diversity initiative. He has also made relationship building with the Authority’s neighborhood communities a top priority.
“Throughout his tenure leading Massport, Tom Glynn has been a tireless advocate for furthering the Commonwealth’s reputation as an international destination,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Tom’s hard work to expand service at Logan and the Commonwealth’s other transportation hubs has driven economic activity across Massachusetts, and I thank him for his years of dedication and service.”
“Under Tom Glynn’s leadership, Worcester Airport has added several new flights, connecting residents of Central Massachusetts with additional travel options,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I wish Tom all the best in his next chapter, and look forward to working with John Pranckevicius in his new position.”
“During my time on the Board over the last three years and the last year as Chairman, it has been a pleasure working with Tom,” said Massport Board Chairman and Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. “He has done a great job leading a complex organization like Massport and is leaving us well-positioned to move into the 21st century.”
“Tom Glynn has done an exceptional job leading Massport, ensuring that Logan Airport is a good neighbor while at the same time growing the number of passengers and domestic and international destinations served,” said Massport Board member and Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “And as the Seaport in Boston has expanded with offices and towers, Tom has made sure that Boston remained a viable place for traditional maritime industries supporting thousands of blue collar jobs at the container terminal, cruiseport and in fish processing.”
Logan International Airport
Since 2012, more than 20 new international nonstop destinations have been announced or started at Logan International Airport, including the Authority’s first flights to China, the Middle East and South America. Increasing international service has been a Massport priority since they bring in millions of dollars for both the City and Commonwealth and create opportunities to connect New England to the global economy. Logan has seen a 77 percent increase in international destinations and a 65 percent increase in international passengers during Glynn’s tenure.
Worcester Regional Airport Revitalization
Since 2012, Worcester Regional Airport has grown into a reliable commercial service provider for Central Massachusetts and has served more than 500,000 passengers. Soon after Glynn joined the Authority, JetBlue began service with two daily flights to Florida and recently added a daily flight to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. American Airlines also recently added two daily flights to Philadelphia. The airport has seen several essential upgrades recently, including the new CAT III instrument system and a renovated fire station and equipment.
Port of Boston Revitalization
Conley Terminal plays an essential role in the global economy. Today, the Port serves more than 1,600 businesses from throughout New England and supports 7,000 direct blue collar jobs as it advances Massachusetts’ working maritime tradition. Under Glynn’s leadership, Conley Terminal has set all-time records for container volume for four straight years.
As ships get larger and carry more cargo, the Port and Boston Harbor need to be deepened in order to stay competitive. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently dredging the Harbor to make room for these ships, and Massport is purchasing taller cranes and making other improvements.
Flynn Cruiseport Boston welcomed a record 388,222 visitors to Boston during the 2017 cruise season and approximately 400,000 passengers are expected during the 2018 season. Last year Boston saw 151 ship calls from 35 vessels representing 19 different international cruise lines.
Today, the Flynn Cruiseport handles 30 percent more ships than it did in 2012. The cruise industry in Massachusetts has generated nearly 2,000 jobs and about $24 million in annual federal and state tax revenue.
Real Estate
Last year, under Glynn’s leadership, Massport added diversity as an equally weighted selection criteria to the Summer Street hotel project RFP. The response by the development community was robust. Omni Hotels, along with a local team, created a proposal featuring a comprehensive diversity and inclusion plan with unsurpassed minority and women business owned participation in design, construction, development and hotel operations.
Previously held positions
Prior to Massport, Glynn was Chief Operating Officer at Partners HealthCare, the General Manager of the MBTA, and the Deputy U.S. Labor Secretary under President Clinton. A former lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, Glynn earned a B.A. in Economics from Tufts University and a Ph.D from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Glynn was ranked number 18 in Boston Magazine’s list of Most Influential People in Boston.
About John Pranckevicius
In his 11 years at the Authority, John Pranckevicius, Massport’s Director of Administration and Finance and Treasurer, has helped to raise Massport’s bond rating and played a large role in developing the 2012 strategic plan. He has helped to negotiate large real estate projects including Omni Hotel, Parcel K, Waterside Place, and Massport Marine Terminal. Pranckevicius serves Massport’s neighboring communities with his appointments to the East Boston Foundation and the Worcester Research Bureau.
Prior to joining Massport, Pranckevicius served as the Chief Financial Officer of the City of Worcester, New England’s second largest city. In addition to being a certified public accountant licensed in Massachusetts, he holds a Masters in Accountancy from Bentley University. He received a Masters of Public Administration and a BA in Political Science from the University of Maine.