Oakland, Calif.–January 25, 2010 – The Port of Oakland has a new Port Commissioner. Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums nominated Michael Lighty who was officially confirmed last week. Lighty will be filling the position previously held by Anthony Batarse Jr. (Term ending July 10, 2013). “Commissioner Batarse provided more than eight years of dedicated service and leadership to the Port with a specific focus on customer service, competitiveness and financial strength. We thank Tony Batarse for his tireless efforts that helped move the Port forward in ways that benefited our community, region and nation,” said Victor Uno, President, Oakland Board of Port Commissioners.

“During his time on the Port Board, we renovated Oakland International Airport, entered into a precedent-setting 50-year public/private partnership in our maritime area, and completed our -50 Foot Oakland Harbor Deepening Project so that we can accommodate the newest generation of containerships. I personally want to acknowledge Commissioner Batarse for helping the Port achieve these significant goals,” stated Omar Benjamin, Executive Director, Port of Oakland.

Michael Lighty was appointed to the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners January 19. He is a graduate of Stanford University and currently serves as the Director of Public Policy for the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United. Lighty coordinates the national political and legislative work for the 150,000-member union of Registered Nurses; issues include healthcare reform, patient rights, labor law reform, and budget, tax and economic development policy. Prior to his current position he served as Director of Administration which included the accounting, membership, facilities and events staff for the growing union; he has also served as the Executive Director designee for the California Nurses Foundation, responsible for budget development, contract administration and vendor relations.

Michael Lighty has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to public service. He served as a member of the City of Oakland Planning Commission (1999-2007). He is affiliated with the Shepherd Canyon Neighborhood Association as Design Review Chair, and has served on the following boards: Labor Project for Working Families; Martin Luther King Freedom; Park Day School Board and the East Bay Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Democratic Club. “Michael Lighty brings extensive experience to our Port Board not only because of his professional background but also as a seasoned board member of the City of Oakland’s Planning Commission,” remarked President Uno. Benjamin added, “Lighty’s experience with design review and development on the planning commission will help us as we move forward with maritime improvements on the former Oakland Army Base. I’m looking forward to working with Michael over the next few years.”

About the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners: The Port of Oakland is governed by a seven-member Board of Port Commissioners. The Board oversees the use of income from Port properties, approximately 16,000 acres stretching from the borders of Emeryville in the north to San Leandro in the south. Commissioners are residents of the City of Oakland and serve four-year terms without compensation. Their responsibilities are vast and require a great deal of their time, all donated to the Port.

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers 150 daily nonstop flights to 35 destinations; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Please visit: www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:

Port of Oakland
Robert Bernardo, Manager, Media/PR
(510) 627-1401
[email protected]