Oakland’s Chamber of Commerce President, Barbara Leslie is taking on an added role atop the Port of Oakland’s governing board. At their latest Board meeting, Port Commissioners selected Leslie as their new President in a unanimous vote.
Therefore, Leslie will lead the seven-member board that sets policy for Oakland’s 93-year-old port authority, succeeding Commissioner Andreas Cluver who steps down after two years as Board President.
The Board elected architect Yui Hay Lee as First Vice President. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf nominated Commissioner Yee to serve another term. The Oakland City Council ratified Commissioner Yee’s second term to serve on the Port Board at their meeting last week. Port of Oakland commissioners serve four-year, staggered terms. Board officers are elected by their fellow commissioners and serve in the role for one year until the next election.
Former Board President Ces Butner was elected Second Vice President, while all three officers assume their new positions later this month.
Commissioner Leslie had been the Board’s First Vice President since 2020. She joined the Board in 2018. In 2014 she became the first woman President and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in its 115-year history.
“The Port is an integral part of Oakland’s economic ecosystem,” said incoming Port Board President Leslie, adding, “It’s an honor and a humbling responsibility to help shape its future impact on our city.”
