NEW CASTLE, Del. -- Today, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) welcomed a new Commission member as New Jersey State Senator John J. Burzichelli administered the Commission Oath of Office to James P Mehaffey of West Deptford, N.J. prior to the bi-state agency’s monthly meeting.  Commissioner Mehaffey replaced James N. Hogan who resigned effective July 1, 2024.  On June 28, the New Jersey State Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination for the remaining two years of the five-year term, extending to July 1, 2026.  

“I am grateful that Governor Murphy nominated me to represent Gloucester County and the State of New Jersey as a DRBA Commissioner,” Mehaffey said.  “With its family of transportation facilities, the Authority plays a key role in the economic future of South Jersey, and I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners and the management staff to continue to maximize the Authority’s full potential.”  

A West Deptford native, Mr. Mehaffey has served on the local township committee for more than nine years, and currently serves as its mayor.  Mayor Mehaffey began his career as a West Deptford Township police officer, and ultimately served as the Department’s Police Chief for final ten years of his law enforcement career.  In April 2000, Mr. Mehaffey was elected to the West Deptford Board of Education, serving as the Board President for twelve years. 

“Mr. Mehaffey brings a unique combination of law enforcement experience, government leadership, and executive management skill that will prove invaluable to his role as DRBA Commissioner,” DRBA Vice Chairman Earl Ransome remarked.  “I am confident he will bring an important perspective to our policy discussions.  We are indeed fortunate to welcome him as a Commissioner.” 

Following his retirement from law enforcement, Mr. Mehaffey was hired to serve as the Director of the Home Electronic Detention Program for the Gloucester County Department of Corrections, a position he held for 14 years. 

“Commissioner Mehaffey is an excellent addition to the Board,” remarked Executive Director Tom Cook.  “We understand the time commitment involved and are thankful he is willing to serve the people of New Jersey and Delaware as a board member.”

The Commission is comprised of twelve commissioners—six each from Delaware and New Jersey—who are appointed by their respective Governor.  Commissioners serve on a voluntary basis and do not receive compensation for their service to the bi-state agency.

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 the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.