Port People: San Francisco

Elaine Forbes Appointed Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco

Elaine Forbes
Photo/Ted Kurihara Photography

Mayor Edwin M. Lee on October 12 appointed Elaine Forbes executive director of the Port of San Francisco. Ms. Forbes has been the port’s interim director since the resignation in February of Monique Moyer.

Elaine Forbes joined the port staff in July 2010 as deputy director for finance and administration. In that capacity, she directed and managed all internal support services for other port divisions and the executive staff; oversaw business services, inventory and purchasing; managing information systems, human resources, finance, accounting and infrastructure maintenance function; and formulated division-wide budget, business and strategic plans.

Earlier, she worked nine years for the city and county of San Francisco -- as a legislative and budget analyst, as San Francisco Airport budget manager, and most recently as chief administrative officer for the planning department, where she was responsible for finance and accounting, contracts, information technology, and operations.

Earlier, she worked as a redevelopment agency planner for the City of Oakland and for several non-profit land use policy and economic development organizations.

She holds a BA degree in government and philosophy from Mills College and a master’s in urban planning in community and economic development from the University of California, Los Angeles.

"Elaine’s extensive leadership experience at the Port of San Francisco and her 15 years of invaluable experience serving our city’s residents makes her an outstanding candidate to serve the port, its diverse stakeholders and the 24 million people that come to our city’s waterfront annually," said Mayor Lee. "I am confident she will continue to lead the port responsibly, sustain its economic vitality and diversity, and successfully deliver many infrastructure improvement projects including parks and open space and long-term improvements including to address seawall vulnerability and sea level rise for the benefit of San Franciscans for generations to come."

The port is responsible for the seven and one-half miles of San Francisco waterfront adjacent to the San Francisco Bay and is the leaseholder for nearly 600 tenants. The port oversees a broad range of maritime, commercial and public activities. These include real estate property management, cargo and cruise shipping, ferries and excursion boats, ship repair, commercial fishing and harbor services.  

"Our waterfront is a place for all San Francisco residents and diverse communities, businesses and visitors," said Port Commission President Willie Adams. "I am assured that under Elaine’s leadership she will continue to make historic investments in the waterfront that will serve everyone equitably and with the necessary engagement and outreach to make sure everyone’s voice is heard."