The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has unanimously elected Stephanie Dominguez Walton as board president, giving new leadership to a port that supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity.
The port oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square.
Dominguez Walton founded Her Mano Group, an Oakland-based firm that raises money and advocates for mission-driven organizations. She’s a third-generation Californian who has called Oakland home for more than 21 years, and she joined the port board in 2023. Her one-year term as president begins July 23.
Her background sets her apart from recent board presidents, who have tended to come from labor or business backgrounds, and could signal an emphasis on community partnership and outside funding as the port works to decarbonize its operations.
“I’m honored to be elected by my fellow commissioners as president of the board,” Dominguez Walton said in a statement. She said she plans to keep working with staff, labor, and community and industry stakeholders on efforts to help the port grow responsibly, create jobs and generate economic benefit for Oakland and the region.
The board also elected Andreas Cluver, the outgoing president, as first vice president, and Barbara Leslie as second vice president. Cluver previously served as president from 2020 to 2022, and Leslie held the role from 2022 to 2024, giving Dominguez Walton two experienced hands to lean on as she settles into the position.