Oakland, Calif.—December 6, 2006—The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners unanimously appointed Omar Benjamin as the Port’s new Executive Director at their regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2006. Benjamin will replace the Port's current Executive Director, Jerry Bridges. Bridges is leaving the Port at the end of January 2007 to accept a new position as the Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority.
Bridges said, “Omar has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of Port operations and his vision has given me the confidence in his ability to move this organization forward in the right direction.” Port Board President Anthony Batarse stated, “We are fortunate to have someone within our organization with the depth of knowledge needed to fill this important position. Omar has been with us nearly ten years and as the Deputy Executive Director of Operations, he has working knowledge of all three of our business lines: Aviation, Maritime and Commercial Real Estate. He was the clear choice for this position.”
Prior to joining the Port of Oakland in 1997, Benjamin was the Chief Operating Officer for Al Anwa USA Inc. (Los Angeles). He directed investment, development, business operations and managed a $700 million diversified real estate investment portfolio. Benjamin also served as Chief Operating Officer for Newfield Enterprises International and worked in Paris, France as an investment manager for The First Investment Capital Corporation.
Benjamin holds a B.S. degree in business administration from California State University, Hayward. He is a full member of the Urban Land Institute and serves on its San Francisco District Council’s Executive Committee. Benjamin also serves on the Board of Directors for community organizations such as the Paramount Theatre of the Arts, the Center for Elders Independence and the Oakland Economic Development Corporation.
Benjamin said he was honored to be selected for this new leadership role, “I grew up in Oakland, graduated from Skyline High, and attended Cal State University, Hayward. I have deep ties within this community and over the years, I’ve established long-standing relationships with Port stakeholders in the region. I am extremely proud and honored to lead this organization as Oakland is close to my heart.” Benjamin added, “I am looking forward to working with the Port Board, my colleagues and Oakland’s new mayor to maximize the Port’s potential for success and enhance the many benefits the Port of Oakland brings to our city and the entire Bay Area.”
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the 4th busiest containerport in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers more than 200 daily non-stop flights to 41 domestic and international destinations; and the Port’s commercial real estate includes Jack London Square, Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Web site: www.portofoakland.com.
Port of Oakland
Libby Schaaf
Director, Public Affairs Division
(510) 627-1452
lschaaf@portoakland.com
