Scott Chadwick has been selected to to serve as the Port of San Diego’s next President and CEO.
Chadwick (pictured) is currently the city manager of the City of Carlsbad and was chosen from several hundred applicants after a thorough and far-reaching search that began in February, the port authority said.
His contract is anticipated to be ratified at the 10th December Board meeting, and he is scheduled to begin his new job in mid-January next year.
“The Board and I are pleased to announce the selection of Scott Chadwick to lead the Port of San Diego into a people-focused future that reflects our commitment to deliver on our promises to our communities, our tenants, the residents of the state of California, and to all who visit our beautiful waterfront,” said Chairman, Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
“In Scott, we have a proven leader who believes that people and relationships are of utmost importance in public service and in business. He will inspire us all to do our best work,” he said.
Chadwick has enjoyed 20 years of city government experience, including over six years in Carlsbad and around 14 years at the City of San Diego in various roles, including COO, Human Resources Director, and Labour Relations Director.
“Scott is committed to people focused leadership and has a reputation for building strong, high performing teams that drive forward organisations and the communities they serve,” added Board of Port Commissioners Vice Chair, Danielle Moore.
“The Port of San Diego is a dynamic entity and Scott’s extensive background in city management, government operations, legislative affairs, human resources, labour relations, and the military, coupled with his robust networks across the region and state, position the port for success in the years ahead,” she said.
Chadwick will lead nearly 600 employees at the port, a specially created state district that is responsible for more than 14,000 acres of tidelands, bay, and beaches along 34 miles of waterfront in five cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego.
Collecting no tax, the port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support its public services and amenities.
Chadwick said: “I could not be more thrilled for the opportunity to serve all who live, work, and play on and around the beautiful and vibrant San Diego Bay waterfront.
“It is an exciting time at the Port of San Diego. The organisation’s environmental leadership is trail blazing, there is incredible growth and transformation in areas that have had little to no public access for decades, and the agency’s focus on building a culture of belonging is something I cannot wait to be a part of.
“I am very much looking forward to collaborating with the Commissioners and talented staff, with port tenants, and all the various port stakeholders. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” he said.
The port’s current major projects include implementing the maritime clean air strategy, which prioritises improving air quality and public health by deploying zero-emissions technologies such as the first all-electric mobile harbour cranes in North America, the first all-electric US harbour tug and finalising and implementing the Port Master Plan update, as the primary tool for balancing environmental, economic and community interests along the San Diego Bay waterfront for the next 30 years.
San Diego also continues to increase cargo and cruise business opportunities with various maritime operational efficiency improvements.
