Port of San Francisco Names Deirdre Hussey as Director of External Affairs
San Francisco, CA - Port of San Francisco Executive Director Elaine Forbes today announced the appointment of Deirdre Hussey as Director of External Affairs for the Port of San Francisco (Port) effective December 2, 2019.
“I am excited to have Deirdre join the Port as the first Director of External Affairs,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “Deirdre brings a wealth of experience, that will serve the Port of San Francisco and waterfront well, as we evolve to meet the urgent realities of sea level rise and climate change while holding fast to our rich maritime history and values. She is a results-oriented leader, strategic thinker and hard worker. I’m proud to have Deirdre join our exceptional leadership team at this time of growth and evolution at the Port.”
Deirdre will be responsible for the strategic oversight and implementation of the Port’s external affairs programs including communications, legislative affairs, community and stakeholder engagement, and social responsibility and equity. Hussey will provide the Executive Director and Port leadership team with high-level direction on strategic external affairs initiatives, goals, and objectives. She will lead external affairs for the Port’s diverse portfolio that includes a vibrant ecosystem of maritime, business, development, recreation, visitor experience, engineering, planning and environment services, and more.
“I’m honored to join the Port of San Francisco -- a dynamic City enterprise department on the forefront of transforming our waterfront today, ensuring that the future needs of San Francisco residents and visitors alike are met,” said Deirdre Hussey. “I look forward to ensuring the Port has a robust external affairs program that advances the Port’s work, while building robust partnerships and programs to serve all people equitably, ensuring we have a waterfront that benefits everyone.”
Deirdre has more than 20 years of experience spanning journalism, crisis management, strategic planning, public policy, and media relations. She is currently the Director of Policy and Public Affairs for the San Francisco Police Department. Prior to joining the San Francisco Police Department, Hussey served as Communications Director for San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Deputy Chief of Staff to then California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom. Previously she led crisis communications for Gap Inc. and launched a digital marketing team focused on the company’s social responsibility efforts. She began her career as a reporter and editor in New York City, and relocated to San Francisco and joined the San Francisco Examiner where she worked her way up the ladder to serve as Editor in Chief.
Hussey holds a Bachelor Degree in Public Policy and Political Science from the University at Buffalo. She lives in San Francisco with her husband. Her favorite waterfront activities are running along the waterfront, catching a Giants game at Oracle Park and enjoying the vast array of food choices the Port of San Francisco offers.
The Port of San Francisco manages the waterfront as the gateway to a world-class city, and advances environmentally and financially sustainable maritime, recreational and economic opportunities to serve the City, Bay Area, and California.
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