On a Monday morning, while trains rolled along the rails and flights lifted into and landed out of the sky, many of the people responsible for making it all happen gathered in one room. The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) Transportation Awards Breakfast hosted in a ballroom in the Robert Treat Hotel, brought together the engineers, planners, and operators who ensure our regional systems work—often without ever being seen.
The event centered on recognition, honoring the individuals whose long term commitment has shaped the transportation landscape across Newark and the broader metropolitan area. The message was consistent: transportation work is foundational. It is the invisible infrastructure that supports every other part of our economy.
Inside the Scale of Operations
John Gooda, Vice President of Operations for United Airlines at Newark Liberty International, offered a rare look into the complexity of daily airport management. He described the airline’s System Operations Control center as a central hub where maintenance, staffing, and air traffic control must align in real time.
“Every single departure, every arrival—it is a coordinated effort,” Montano said. “It is not something most people ever see. But it is happening every minute.”
Leadership and Industry Evolution
The program also highlighted how the field itself is changing. Mary K. Murphy, a longtime leader in the New Jersey transportation sector, spoke to the growing presence of women in the industry. Her remarks reflected a broader shift in the “Brick City” and beyond: transportation is no longer just about moving steel and concrete—it is about people, access, and regional impact.
In a city like Newark, where transportation serves as a critical link between communities and opportunity, this work carries a particular weight. As the breakfast concluded, these leaders returned to the systems they sustain—quietly keeping our region in motion.
