The San Diego Unified Port District announced Monday that long-time port executive Randa Coniglio has been nominated as its new president and CEO after a nationwide search.
The port’s board is expected to approve the selection of Coniglio, currently executive vice president of operations, at a meeting on Thursday. She will be the first female CEO in the port’s 52-year history.
“Randa is a focused, diligent and highly creative leader who consistently delivers strong outcomes,” said Chairman Dan Malcolm. “This, combined with her track record in gaining the trust of stakeholders, achieving consensus and maintaining long-term, mutually beneficial relationships truly set her apart as the best candidate for this position.”
The previous CEO, Wayne Darbeau, was ousted a year ago after asking port tenants for help finding his son a summer job.
Coniglio joined the port in 2000 after a 13-year private sector career in real estate development and portfolio management. During her tenure at the port, she has been promoted six times, having started as a manager in the agency’s real estate department.
“I am so honored to have been selected as the Port of San Diego’s next president and CEO,” said Coniglio. “We have such great momentum right now on a variety of fronts. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity at a time when there is so much positive energy around the port’s projects and initiatives.”
John Bolduc, who has been the port’s acting CEO since July 2015, will continue to serve on the executive leadership team.
The port, a public agency, serves its five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay by developing commercial businesses and public amenities along 34 miles of waterfront.