Vincent Meconi named chief operations officer of Delaware River and Bay Authority

Delaware River and Bay Authority officials announced the selection of Vincent P. Meconi of Wilmington as the agency’s new chief operations officer. The commissioners of the authority unanimously approved his selection to oversee and direct all agency operating units Feb. 18. Meconi officially began his duties March 16.

“I am honored that the commissioners selected me to serve as the agency’s new COO,” Meconi said. “I welcome the opportunity to create and support an environment that enables staff to achieve their potential and the authority to realize its objectives and goals. I look forward to working with the commis- sioners and fellow employees to write the next chapter in the DRBA success story.”

In the role of COO, Meconi will be responsible for directing and coordinating operational activities at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, the Forts Ferry Crossing, five regional airports, police, engineering and environmental compliance and safety.

“Vince Meconi is an experienced and dedicated public servant who will bring passion, versatility and energy to the job every day,” said Scott A. Green, executive director for the authority. “The authority is fortunate to have him join the leadership team.”

Meconi has more than 25 years of public sector managerial experience, including serving as the secretary for the Department of Administrative Services and secretary for the Department of Health and Social Services for the state of Delaware. Prior to joining the bi-state agency, Meconi served as the deputy chief administrative officer for New Castle County, where he was the lead budget strategist for the county’s $250 million operating budget and lead negotiator for collective bargaining with the county’s seven employee unions. In the early 1980s, Meconi was elected to Delaware’s General Assembly for a term as a state representative for the 21st District.

The recipient of the National Governors Association Award for Distinguished Service to State Government in 2007,  Meconi was also presented with the Order of the First State, Delaware’s highest civilian honor, by Gov. Tom Carper in 2000. He also earned the University of Delaware’s Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement.

An adjunct professor at Delaware Technical Community College where he teaches political science, Meconi has also authored “A Practical Guide to Government Management,” a comprehensive manual to running government agencies.

Meconi is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor of arts degree in government and urban studies, and also earned a master of public administration degree from the University of Delaware. For more information, go to www.drba.net.