Port of San Diego Swears In New 2015 Chairman of the Board

The Port of San Diego swore in its 2015 Board of Port Commissioners Executive Officers on Tuesday, January 13. Commissioner Dan Malcolm was sworn in as chairman, along with Commissioner Marshall Merrifield as vice chairman and Commissioner Robert “Dukie” Valderrama as secretary. The ceremony also honored outgoing Chairman Bob Nelson, who will continue to serve on the board for another four years. During his inauguration speech, incoming Chairman Dan Malcolm outlined his vision and announced his theme for the year ahead, “Port of San Diego: Regional Economic Engine.

“I chose this theme because it highlights the fact that our Port has a significant economic impact in the San Diego region far beyond the Port’s jurisdictional boundaries,” Malcolm said. “I’m very proud of the role our Port plays in our region’s economy with $7.6 billion dollars in total annual economic impact in 2013 alone.” Malcolm pointed out that the Port has invested more than $1.7 billion of capital improvements into the waterfront over the last 50 years. He discussed his desire to establish a structural surplus for the Port’s budget and noted the important task of hiring a permanent president and CEO in the coming year. He also noted the openings of the new Lane Field Park and National City Aquatics Center as quality of life improvements planned for 2015, and discussed the significance redeveloping the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal to further the Port’s maritime business. Outgoing Chairman Bob Nelson was also honored during the event for the accomplishments achieved during his year-long chairmanship. chairmans cup"In 2014 we experienced both turmoil and triumph; disappointment and delight,” Nelson said during his outgoing comments. “The most important things I learned in 2014 are that values and people – not facilities, land or water – are our Port’s most important assets. Thanks to many of the people in this room we did move forward, we did help to build the future, and we did it together.” Highlights of Nelson’s year as chairman included opening the $31 million North Embarcadero Visionary Plan (Phase I) and Broadway Pier improvements; establishing the new Tuna Harbor Dockside Market; breaking ground on the Lane Field hotels and park; and starting construction on the North Harbor Drive Realignment Project. Nelson also noted the importance of adopting the Port’s first-ever Climate Action Plan, with 27 projects outlined to help reduce the Port’s greenhouse gas emissions.