The Port of San Diego has announced the appointment of Scott Chadwick as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive search that began earlier in the year. Chadwick, transitioning from his role as the city manager of Carlsbad, was selected from a pool of several hundred candidates, a testament to the competitiveness and magnitude of the recruitment process.
In declaring the appointment, Chairman Frank Urtasun from the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners articulated the Board's satisfaction, "The Board and I are pleased to announce the selection of Scott Chadwick to lead the Port of San Diego into a people-focused future that reflects our commitment to deliver on our promises to our communities, our tenants, the residents of the state of California, and to all who visit our beautiful waterfront." These sentiments highlight the Board's belief in Chadwick's leadership prowess. His ratification is expected at the December 10 Board meeting, and his tenure is slated to commence in January.
Chadwick's résumé includes 20 years of civic experience across various departments and roles. His prior involvement as chief operating officer, human resources director, and labor relations director for the City of San Diego and his military background as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army for eight years have prepared him for this significant leadership position. He is also a Purdue University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. A longtime resident of San Diego County, Chadwick is deeply familiar with the community he is about to serve.
According to the Port of San Diego, "Scott is committed to people-focused leadership and has a reputation for building strong, high-performing teams that drive forward organizations and the communities they serve," cited Board of Port Commissioners Vice Chair Danielle Moore. Chadwick's new role at the Port will involve leading nearly 600 employees and managing a sprawling portfolio of more than 14,000 acres of tidelands, bay, and beaches along a 34-mile waterfront that touches five different cities – including Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego. The position demands strategic insight and the ability to handle many projects and initiatives that do not draw from taxpayer dollars.
Enthusiastic about his upcoming position, Chadwick said in a statement obtained by the Port of San Diego, "I could not be more thrilled for the opportunity to serve all who live, work, and play on and around the beautiful and vibrant San Diego Bay waterfront." He emphasized readiness to engage with diverse stakeholders, from Commissioners and staff to tenants and community members, with a focus on the Port's key projects like the Maritime Clean Air Strategy and the Port Master Plan Update.
The inception of the Port of San Diego dates back to 1964 when the California legislature created it to manage waterfront land use and maritime activities. Decisions at the Port are overseen by a seven-member Board of Port Commissioners, whose members are chosen by city councils of each city within the Port’s jurisdiction, including Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego. The Board is tasked with policy-making, legislating regulations, and budget allocation, which is carried out by the Port's President and CEO, General Counsel, and Auditor.
