Justin Berton

Justin Berton was appointed Director of Communications for the Port of Oakland in January 2026. In this role, he leads the agency’s communications strategy and serves as the primary media liaison for the seaport, airport, commercial real estate, and utility holdings.

Prior to joining the Port, Berton served as Director of Communications to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf for five years, where he was the Mayor’s lead communications advisor and spokesperson, working closely with community and regional stakeholders. His earlier experience includes roles at the Port of San Francisco and as a general assignment reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, where he covered Oakland and the broader Bay Area.

Berton holds a degree in journalism, with a minor in political science, from San Francisco State University.