Joel Piza-Batiz

Joel A. Pizá-Batiz is the current Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (“PRPA”) where he commands a capital improvement plan of over $50 million to better its regional airport system. He also leads an aggressive plan to increase revenues and guarantee commercial real estate transactions at fair market value, substantially improving the PRPA’s relationship with its federal regulators. In April 2022, through the Executive Order 2022-026, he was appointed President of the Council for the Aerospace and Aeronautical Industry of Puerto Rico. In June 2023, he was also appointed Executive Director of the Local Redevelopment Authority for Roosevelt Roads, where he is responsible for overseeing the redevelopment and repurposing of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, with considerations for economic development, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

An attorney, Mr. Pizá Batiz, began his legal career in private practice, focusing on labor, contract, appellate, and aviation law, the latter of which he also taught at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico before initiating a professional career in public service. As a public servant, Mr. Pizá-Batiz served as a legislative aid in the Senate of Puerto Rico. Pizá-Batiz then moved on to become the PRPA’s General Counsel and undersecretary for its Board of Directors.

Mr. Pizá-Batiz holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) with a minor degree in Biomedical Science, a Juris Doctor (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law and a Master of Law (LL.M) in Air and Space Law from the University of Mississippi School of Law. As an avid aviation enthusiast, Mr. Pizá-Batiz undertook flight training and received awards as member of the debate team in his college years. He is also a bronze medalist in the fencing Pan-American championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina 2007.