PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer to depart after 3 years

The board for the Philadelphia Parking Authority announced Tuesday that, after three years atop the organization, Executive Director of the PPA, Rich Lazer is stepping down.

“Rich’s partnership with the board over the past three years, coupled with the dedication of every PPA employee, has stabilized our operations, strengthened our organization and restored our credibility,” said Lynette Brown-Sow, Chairperson of the PPA Board in a statement on the move.

The PPA formally accepted Lazer’s resignation during today’s board meeting.

“While we will miss the face and the voice many of us have come to love, our mission remains unchanged,” Brown-Sow said. “Our work continues. Our commitment to the communities we serve is unwavering.”

In a statement on his departure, Lazer said that he was proud of the work he has done and thanked the PPA board for their “leadership, partnership, and trust over the last three years.”

“Together, we helped turn this agency around and move it forward in a real way,” said Lazer in a statement. “I’m most proud of the progress we made — strengthening public safety and improving the quality of life across our neighborhoods.”

In his statement, Lazer also thanked the PPA workforce, which he called one of the best in the city.

“I want to thank the entire PPA team for their dedication and commitment to serving the public every day. I’m leaving with a lot of pride,” he said.

The board noted that, under Lazer’s tenure the PPA earned Philadelphia Magazine’s first-ever ‘Best City Agency’ designation in 2023.

Also, in this announcement, the board said it would select a search committee to find a permanent successor for Lazer.

Until then, Deputy Director Gabe Roberts will step in as Interim Executive Director effective June 1, 2026.

“Gabe Roberts came to the PPA in 2023 after twelve years at the Philadelphia Courts where he earned a stellar reputation for strategic planning and communications,” Brown-Sow said in a statement. “Gabe has worked closely with Rich — having been involved in every major PPA decision since his arrival. He has demonstrated tremendous leadership and management skills, coupled with sharing the Board’s vision for expanding the PPA’s emphasis on public safety and quality-of-life initiatives.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the Board of Directors of PhilaPort announced that Lazer would become the new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of PhilaPort. Lazer will replace Jeff Theobald, who announced his retirement in December, and he is expected to assume the role on June 1, 2026.

“Rich is a proven leader with deep roots in Philadelphia and a strong record of delivering results,” said PhilaPort Board Chairman Michael Pearson in a statement. “His leadership experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to public service make him exceptionally well-positioned to guide PhilaPort into its next era of growth and opportunity.”

Officials noted that Lazer has also served as a member of the PhilaPort Board of Directors since 2019, giving him direct knowledge of the port’s operations, strategic priorities, and long-term growth initiatives.