FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE‍

November 5, 2026

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Kate Mason
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The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) announces the appointment of John D. Porcari as Chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding longtime Board Chair Eric Sonnichsen, who has retired from the Board and been granted Director Emeritus status in recognition of his service and contributions to the organization.

CTE extends its sincere gratitude to Sonnichsen for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing the organization's mission. During his 15-year tenure as Board Chair, Sonnichsen provided guidance and oversight as CTE expanded its reach and impact across the United States. His contributions have helped position CTE as a national leader in advancing zero-emission transportation technologies.

“I am proud to have worked alongside Eric Sonnichsen to advance CTE’s vision of a carbon-free U.S. transportation system,” said CTE Executive Director Dan Raudebaugh. “Through both smooth and challenging times, Eric has been a steadying influence and an unwavering source of support for me, our board, and our staff.”

As Director Emeritus, Sonnichsen will continue to be recognized for his distinguished service and lasting impact on the organization.

John D. Porcari Named Chair of CTE's Board of Directors

Succeeding Sonnichsen is John D. Porcari, a nationally recognized transportation and infrastructure leader with decades of experience guiding major public and private infrastructure initiatives. Porcari has been a member of CTE’s Board of Directors since 2022 and also serves as Chair of CTE's Policy Advisory Board, where he has helped guide the organization's legislative priorities and advocacy efforts in support of CTE’s mission.

“Since joining CTE four years ago as Chair of our Policy Board, John has been a natural leader,” Raudebaugh said. “He has consistently championed our mission, leveraging his vast transportation experience and unique legislative acumen to do so. I look forward to building on CTE’s momentum under his leadership.”

Porcari brings extensive leadership experience across federal and state government and the private sector. He served as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2009 to 2014 under the Obama administration, where he oversaw the implementation of the $48 billion transportation component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. He later served as Port Envoy to the Biden administration's Supply Chain Disruption Task Force, helping address supply chain challenges and improve the movement of goods through U.S. ports. Porcari also served twice as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, from 1999 to 2003 and 2006 to 2009, leading the delivery of major transit, airport, port, and highway infrastructure projects. His private-sector experience includes serving as founding Executive Director of the Gateway Project Development Corporation, an initiative focused on expanding passenger rail capacity between New Jersey and New York City.

As Board Chair, Porcari will provide strategic leadership and oversight to support CTE's continued growth and expand its reach into emerging markets. His extensive background in transportation policy, infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration will help guide the organization as it works with fleets, government agencies, and industry partners to accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation.