The Delaware River and Bay Authority commissioners have appointed Joel Coppadge of Wilmington, Delaware, as the agency’s next executive director.

Coppadge will officially begin his duties July 14 and is the authority’s sixth executive director since its inception in 1962. He is also the first African-American to hold the position. He replaces Thomas J. Cook.

He will take over at a time of uneasy relations between the DRBA, which operates Cape May Airport, and the Cape May County commissioners, who have given notice that they will not extend the authority’s lease of the airport property.

Prior to joining the authority Coppadge most recently served as chief executive officer and president of LuckyQ Solutions LLC, a real estate investment and management firm specializing in economic development.

Previously, he held key roles in managed health-care companies, working up to become vice president at Aetna and Coventry Health Care Inc. During his tenure, he was primarily responsible for the $20 billion Medicaid business, overseeing operations in various locations across the country.

He received his B.S. in business administration from Delaware State University.

Coppadge’s commitment to public service extends across many arenas and includes coaching youth soccer, track/field and basketball teams, serving as a board member of The First Tee of Delaware, the State of Delaware Plan Management Board and the Judicial Nomination Committee.

He is a member of Canaan Baptist Church, former president and board of directors member for the Police Athletic League, former board president for the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and former board member for the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame.

He continues to be heavily involved with the many Delaware State University civic efforts. In 2017, the Joel and Arlene Coppadge Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to aid qualifying students further their education.

“With his skill set, knowledge and civic-minded background, Mr. Coppadge has the right tools to make a positive difference here at the DRBA,” said authority Chairman Earl Ransome. “I look forward to working with him to further the DRBA’s transportation and economic development missions.”