The Port of Oakland has appointed Kristi McKenney, a Berkeley CEE alum, as its new Executive Director! McKenney began her career at the Port as an Environmental Planner and is the first woman to hold this leadership position in the Port's 98-year history.
"I'm grateful and excited for this opportunity to lead during such a transformative time in Port history," said McKenney. "I look forward to implementing the Port's 5-year Strategic Plan that will help grow local employment and contracting opportunities and strengthen our economic base."
She has held various positions at the Port, including Assistant Aviation Director and Interim Executive Director. Since February 2020, McKenney has served as the Port's Chief Operating Officer (COO), where she played a crucial role in managing operations during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure as COO, she was vital in securing hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal grants to promote a more sustainable Port.
McKenney earned her M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley in 1989 and her B.S. degree with honors in Aeronautics from San Jose State University in 1986. Her leadership in developing and implementing the zero emissions strategy for the Port of Oakland has positioned the Port at the forefront of the industry, earning it global recognition.
McKenney's efforts to engage the community in the planning and operation of Oakland Airport have allowed it to navigate its growth responsibly and transparently. She has championed women engineers within her organization, resulting in many, alongside herself, holding key technical and management positions.
To learn more about McKenney's expertise, check out the full press release on the Port of Oakland's website here.