The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has appointed Kristi McKenney as the port’s new Executive Director.
The appointment came after Executive Director Danny Wan announced his retirement on 28 February.
The Port Commissioners overwhelmingly accepted McKenney’s three-year contract at their 13 February board meeting.
McKenney said: “I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity to lead during such a transformative time in port history. I look forward to implementing the port’s five-year strategic plan that will help grow local employment and contracting opportunities and strengthen our economic base.”
McKenney started working at the port as an environmental planner. She has held many roles at the port, including Assistant Aviation Director and Interim Executive Director.
READ: Port of Oakland achieves record shore power usage in 2024
She’s been the Port’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) since February 2020. McKenney will become the Port of Oakland’s first female executive director in its 98-year existence.
“We look forward to Ms. McKenney taking the Port’s vision to the next level,” said Port of Oakland Board President Michael Colbruno. “Special thanks to Danny Wan for leaving the Port on a strong and solid path.”
The port noted that McKenney played an important role in controlling port operations during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.
READ: Port of Oakland surpasses 2 million TEUs in 2024
During her time as COO, she helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funds to build a more sustainable port.
Port of Oakland Executive Director, Danny Wan, stated: “As a port veteran, Kristi McKenney will bring solid leadership and management skills to the position. She will also bring continuity and stability to port operations which are essential to helping us build for the next generation.”
