Cuomo communication director exits for Port Authority

The following is an expanded version of the second item from my "Albany Insider" column from Monday's print editions:

Gov. Cuomo has lost another top staffer.

James Allen, who joined Team Cuomo as communications director in December, 2015, quietly left his $171,000 job on Jan. 22, according to state payroll records.

A Cuomo aide confirmed the departure and said Allen will start Monday at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. He'll serve as the chief of staff to Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford, who was appointed by Cuomo.

He will work also work with Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton, another former Cuomo aide.

The move was rumored for several months.  A source said Allen stayed on to help with the governor's State of the State and budget rollouts.

Sources say Allen will serve in a projects management role, advancing priority initiatives like the rebuilding of LaGuardia and Kennedy airports.

“James is a talented and effective public executive with a wealth of government experience at the federal, state and local level,” Lynford said. “As chief of staff, James will be a great asset to me and the Port Authority as we advance critical infrastructure projects and initiatives that will benefit the region for decades to come.”

One source said Allen was approached because of his experience in New York and New Jersey.

Before joining the Cuomo administration, Allen served as then-Newark Mayor Corey Booker's chief spokesman. He was also a vice president of communications and strategy at Mic, a media company that focuses on millennials.

"The Port Authority projects are key parts of the governor's infrastructure plan and we want the strongest possible team representing New York," said Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa. "James excelled here at organizing complex projects and we're grateful that he's joining Rick and Jeff. I look forward to continuing to work with him as an extended part of the Cuomo team."

Cuomo has not yet named a new communications director. An announcement is expected to come shortly, said a Cuomo insider.