Kristi McKenney

Kristi McKenney was named Executive Director at the Port of Oakland on March 1, 2025, by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, the Port’s seven-member governing body. Her appointment represents a natural transition from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) which she held since Feb. 5, 2020. Ms. McKenney is the first woman to serve as Executive Director in the Port of Oakland’s 99-year history.

During her tenure as COO, Ms. McKenney played a crucial role in managing operations during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was vital in securing hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal grants to promote a more sustainable Port. Her leadership in developing and implementing the zero emissions strategy for the Port of Oakland has positioned the Port at the forefront of the industry, earning it global recognition. Her efforts to engage the community in the planning and operation of Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport have allowed it to navigate its growth responsibly and transparently.

As COO, Ms. McKenney oversaw Port operations including Engineering Services, Environmental Programs and Planning, Utilities, and Information Technology. Prior to being the COO, she was the Assistant Director of Aviation at the Port’s Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) since 2014. Ms. McKenney has championed women engineers within the Port of Oakland, resulting in many, alongside herself, holding key technical and management positions.

A graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics, Ms. McKenney received her Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the 2025/2026 recipient of the Women’s Transportation Seminar SF-Bay Chapter “Woman of the Year Award” and is an elected Member of the UC Berkeley Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Academy of Distinguished Alumni.