For Immediate Release
August 4, 2004

Oakland, Calif. (August 4, 2004) - The Port of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has appointed Wilson Lacy as its new Director of Maritime, effective August 14, 2004. He is filling the position left vacant when Jerry Bridges was appointed as the new Port Executive Director in June. The Commission announced the appointment of Mr. Lacy at its regular meeting Tuesday, August 3, 2004. Mr. Lacy is currently the Maritime Business Development and Marketing Manager at the Port.

“Wilson Lacy has extensive experience in the maritime industry which will be of great benefit to the Port of Oakland in his new role as Director of Maritime,” said Port Board President Patricia A. Scates. “We believe that his knowledge and experience in the industry will help maintain the Port of Oakland’s position as the nation’s fourth largest container port in the country and its significance as an international gateway,” she added.

As the Director of Maritime, Mr. Lacy will be responsible for the operations, management, and marketing of the Maritime Division for the Port, which includes planning and development of maritime terminal facilities.

Mr. Lacy was appointed the Business Development and Marketing Manager at the Port earlier this year. Prior to this appointment, he was Business Advisor to Embarcadero System Corporation in Alameda, CA where he performed market studies on system services and recommended initiatives leading to substantial cost savings.

As Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Officer of Pasha Maritime Services in Corte Madera, CA, he led the third largest independent stevedoring company on the West Coast. On the East Coast, Mr. Lacy was Vice President and General Manager of H&M International Transportation in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Eastern Region Operations Manager of American President Lines in Kearny, New Jersey. In addition, he was South Island Manager for Kotmatsu, Ltd. In New Zealand.

“I am delighted that Wilson will be assuming the position as Director of Maritime,” said Jerry Bridges, Port Executive Director. “His maritime background is going to be a genuine asset for Oakland. He knows the business and will help with our plan to capture a greater market share of the growing international trade,” he added.

Mr. Lacy received his Bachelor of Arts from Southwest University in MO. He is a member of the Master Stevedore Association, the California Steamship Association, and the Defense Transportation Association.

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the 4th busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the nation with more than 13 million passengers a year; and Jack London Square is Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an autonomous department of the City of Oakland.

Contact:
Harold Jones
Director of Communications
(510) 627-1564
hjones@portoakland.com

Marilyn Sandifur
Manager, Media/PR
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com