The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has officially appointed Amy Fisher as its new General Counsel, following her nomination and subsequent approval by the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners. Fisher, who has been serving as Acting General Counsel since May 2023, first joined the Port Authority in 2017 as First Deputy General Counsel. In her new role, Fisher will continue to oversee all legal aspects of the agency, including litigation, transactions, employment, finance, leases, public securities, regulatory compliance, ethics, and other legal matters.
Fisher's appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold the position of General Counsel in the agency’s 102-year history. She succeeds Michael Farbiarz, who departed in May after being nominated and confirmed to the federal bench of the District of New Jersey. Fisher was selected for the role following a comprehensive review process conducted by a nationally recognized search firm.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole praised Fisher's extensive experience with the agency and her in-depth knowledge across a wide range of legal areas. "Amy consistently stood out thanks to her extensive experience with the Port Authority and her in-depth knowledge across a wide variety of areas," said O’Toole. "We’d like to thank Judge Farbiarz for his steadfast service, laying a foundation we will continue to build on for years to come."
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton also commended Fisher's contributions to the agency, stating, "In her six years with the Port Authority, Amy has been a steady hand guiding us through a multitude of complex projects and negotiations. We are excited to have someone with her legal skills and leadership qualities heading the Law Department during this time of major transformation for the Port Authority and the region."
Fisher expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her eagerness to continue contributing to the agency's transformative agenda. "I’m honored and excited to continue this important work at such an important time,” said Fisher. “I’d like to thank the Port Authority’s leadership for their trust and confidence, and I look forward to working together as we advance the agency’s bold, transformative agenda."
During her tenure at the Port Authority, Fisher has played a pivotal role in various legal matters, including airport development activities, lease negotiations for the Perelman Performing Arts Center, and the extension of the agency’s air and marine terminal leases with New York City and Newark. She has also been instrumental in resolving long-standing commercial litigation and has successfully navigated complex interactions with local, state, and federal regulators.
Prior to joining the Port Authority, Fisher had an extensive career in the legal and financial sectors. She served as Managing Director at GE Energy Financial Services for 17 years, where she worked in investment origination, project development, regulatory risk, and legal and compliance areas. Fisher also has experience as a transactional partner in several New York City law firms, including as partner and head of the New York corporate practice at the Sonnenschein law firm (now part of the AmLaw 100 Dentons firm), where she specialized in project finance, banking, and insurance insolvency. Fisher holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a J.D. from Columbia University’s School of Law.
