Oakland, Calif. – August 5, 2026: The Port of Oakland announced the appointment of Sharla Sullivan as its new Director of Social Responsibility, effective Aug. 4, 2026. Sullivan will lead the agency’s priorities to expand contracting and business opportunities for small and local businesses, promote workforce development, and advance the Port’s community engagement initiatives.
“Sharla is a well-known champion in our community with a strong passion and expertise in developing economic growth for all residents, from all backgrounds,” said Kristi McKenney, the Port of Oakland’s Executive Director. “Under Sharla’s leadership, we’re looking forward to continuing to expand the Port’s impact to provide more jobs and careers for local residents, and more opportunities for our small businesses in Oakland.”
“Sharla brings a unique combination of community credibility, strategic vision, and proven leadership to the Port of Oakland,” said Matt Davis, the Port’s Chief Public Engagement Officer. “She has built a career connecting residents, small businesses, labor, educators, and industry partners to opportunities that strengthen our local economy. As Director of Social Responsibility, she’ll play a critical role in advancing the Port’s commitment to inclusive economic development and ensuring our investments create lasting benefits for the communities we serve.”
A Bay Area native and mother of three, Sullivan has decades of experience in community engagement, workforce development, and advancing supplier diversity. She previously served as Outreach and Partnerships Manager at Webcor, delivering world-class public and private construction projects across California.
As a passionate advocate for empowering future generations, she has dedicated over a decade to the Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program San Francisco Bay Area Affiliate Oakland Team and serves on the board for the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity and Junior Center of Art and Science. Sullivan is a past recipient of the Associated General Contractors of CA Education Friend award, Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council Supplier Diversity Award, and a 2024 ENR-ACE Outstanding Mentor, recognized for expanding pre-apprenticeship pathways and shaping the future of construction.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits, and environmental innovation as it decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), 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 San Francisco Bay Airport through Facebook and Twitter or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contacts
Justin Berton
Port of Oakland
Communications Director
(510) 627-1401
[email protected]