Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Retires After 25 Years

Steve Lawrence steps down from his role next Friday after over two decades of service.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a polished metal bridge model, a leather-bound ledger, and a brass desk lamp, symbolizing the transition of leadership and the importance of infrastructure management.As the longtime head of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority steps down, the region looks to the future of its critical transportation infrastructure.Ogdensburg Today

Steve Lawrence, the Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA) in New York, is retiring after 25 years in the position. Lawrence told local news outlet 7 News that he is much older now and feels it's the right time to step down from his role, which he has held since 2001.

Why it matters

Lawrence's retirement marks the end of an era for the OBPA, which oversees critical transportation infrastructure connecting northern New York to Canada. His long tenure provided stability and leadership during a period of economic and logistical changes in the region.

The details

Lawrence has served as the Executive Director of the OBPA since 2001. In his 25 years with the organization, he has overseen the operations and management of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, which connects Ogdensburg, New York to Prescott, Ontario. Lawrence cited his age and the length of his tenure as the primary reasons for his decision to retire.

  • Steve Lawrence will step down as Executive Director of the OBPA on April 18, 2026.
  • Lawrence has served as Executive Director since 2001, a tenure of 25 years.

The players

Steve Lawrence

The outgoing Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, who is retiring after 25 years in the role.

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA)

The organization that oversees the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, a critical transportation link between northern New York and Canada.

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What they’re saying

“I've been here 25 years. I'm much older. It's time.”

— Steve Lawrence, Executive Director, Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority

The takeaway

Lawrence's retirement marks the end of an era for the OBPA, which has benefited from his steady leadership over the past quarter-century. His departure will provide an opportunity for new leadership to guide the organization and the vital transportation infrastructure it oversees into the future.