New Communications Director will join Executive Leadership team to support management of 7.5 miles of San Francisco waterfront
San Francisco, CA - The Port of San Francisco Executive Director appointed Justin Berton as Director of Communications to work in the Executive Division, overseeing communications, legislative affairs, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program for the organization effective February 6, 2023.
Mr. Berton comes to the Port with a wealth of expertise in regional strategic communications, having served five years as Director of Communications to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. He also worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle from 2006 to 2013.
“The Port of San Francisco has a small but mighty team that oversees a diverse and dynamic waterfront environment and portfolio that services millions of people each year,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “I'm proud to appoint Justin to my leadership team to transparently communicate the Port’s mission, San Francisco’s unique offerings, and all matters regarding our renowned public waterfront.”
The Port of San Francisco is responsible for the seven and one-half miles of San Francisco waterfront adjacent to San Francisco Bay, which the Port develops, markets, leases, administers, manages, and maintains. Its jurisdiction stretches along the waterfront from Hyde Street Pier in the north to India Basin in the south. The Port’s operating portfolio is composed of more than 550 ground, commercial, retail, office, industrial, and maritime industrial leases, including many internationally recognized landmarks such as Fisherman’s Wharf, PIER 39, the Exploratorium, the historic Ferry Building, and Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.
“I’m honored to join the Port of San Francisco as it addresses our most urgent challenges, including climate change, economic revitalization, and ensuring our waterfront continues to grow into an inclusive space for all residents to enjoy,” Berton said. “I look forward to contributing to this dynamic organization and building partnerships that advance the Port’s core mission to deliver a waterfront that benefits everyone.”
Before Mr. Berton served as Director of Communications to Mayor Schaaf, he worked as the Associate Director of Media Relations at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland. He is a graduate of San Francisco State University. He lives in the Bay Area with his family and loves taking ferry rides around the Bay with his two daughters.