Massport Chief Stepping Down

Massachusetts Port Authority executive director Thomas Kinton is retiring after 35 years with the agency that runs Logan International Airport.

Kinton announced Wednesday he plans to step down on June 1, two months before his five-year contract expires. He said he would consider staying a bit longer if a successor hasn't been named.

Kinton served as director of aviation for Massport before being named executive director and CEO in 2006.

The announcement comes a couple of months after Gov. Deval Patrick took control of the Massport board and named Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan chairman. Wednesday was Mullan's first board meeting as chair, but Kinton said that had nothing to do with the timing of his announcement and that Mullan had his support.

Mullan praised Kinton for his "unwavering professionalism."