Port of Oakland names real estate leader as Chief Real Estate Officer

Oakland, Calif. – December 8, 2023: The Port of Oakland has appointed Jonathan Veach as Chief Real Estate Officer. He will manage the Port’s Commercial Real Estate division and also the Port’s land use and development. The Port of Oakland oversees nearly 20 miles of waterfront property between the Oakland Seaport and Oakland International Airport including Jack London Square. In addition to Port parks and public access, underused acreage is being converted into mixed-use development projects through private investment dollars.  

Jonathan Veach is the Port of Oakland's new Chief Real Estate Officer

This new position replaces the former Director of Commercial Real Estate position, which historically focused on the Jack London Square waterfront acreage. However, as the Port continues to grow and evolve, it was determined that the real estate function should encompass greater responsibilities that adequately reflect the Port’s future real estate needs.  

The Chief Real Estate Officer position was created to provide the experience and leadership necessary to formulate and direct future real estate strategies and related public-private negotiations.  

Veach will oversee the use, development and maintenance of real estate assets along Jack London Square, Oakland Estuary, Oakland Airport Business Park, and other related assets within the Port’s jurisdiction. 

“I’m grateful to the Board and Executive Director Danny Wan for entrusting me with the Chief Real Estate Officer role,” says Veach. “The Port truly has great potential for transformative development projects, and I’m looking forward to working with the Board and local stakeholders to shape and execute that vision.” 

Prior to joining the Port of Oakland, Jonathan Veach was formerly an Executive Director in J.P. Morgan Chase’s Community Development Real Estate Banking Division where he provided lending to for-profit and not-for-profit developers, government entities and community-based organizations for affordable housing and economic development projects. 

Mr. Veach’s public sector experience includes serving as the Housing and Real Estate Manager for the City of Santa Clara and working at the New York City Department of Housing and Development.  

Mr. Veach holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University, and a bachelor's degree in economics from Princeton University.   

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.