In a significant leadership decision, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has announced the selection of Scott Chadwick as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Currently serving as the City Manager of Carlsbad, Chadwick emerged as the top choice among hundreds of applicants after a comprehensive nationwide search. His appointment will be finalized at the upcoming December 10 Board meeting, with his tenure set to begin in mid-January.
Board Chairman Frank Urtasun emphasized the importance of Chadwick’s leadership in shaping the Port’s future. “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,” said Urtasun. “In Scott, we have a proven leader who believes that people and relationships are of utmost importance in public service and in business. He will inspire us all to do our best work.”
Echoing Urtasun’s sentiments, Vice Chair Danielle Moore highlighted Chadwick’s extensive experience and regional connections. “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. His robust networks across the region and state position the Port for success in the years ahead.”
Chadwick brings two decades of experience in city government, including six years in Carlsbad and 14 years in various roles for the City of San Diego. His career in public service has seen him excel as Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources Director, and Labor Relations Director. Prior to these roles, Chadwick worked for five years with AFSCME Council 36, Local 127, and served in the U.S. Army for eight years as an intelligence analyst. A San Diego County native, Chadwick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Purdue University and currently resides with his family in Point Loma.
Reflecting on his new role, Chadwick expressed both gratitude and enthusiasm. “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 said. “It is an exciting time at the Port of San Diego. The organization’s environmental leadership is trailblazing, there is incredible growth and transformation in areas that have had little to no public access for decades, and the agency’s focus on building a culture of belonging is something I cannot wait to be a part of. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
As President and CEO, Chadwick will oversee nearly 600 employees tasked with managing over 14,000 acres of tidelands, bay, and beaches spanning 34 miles of waterfront across five cities: Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego. Unique among state districts, the Port collects no tax dollars and instead generates revenue through a diverse portfolio of operations to fund public services and amenities.
The Port of San Diego plays a vital role in the region’s economic, environmental, and recreational landscape. Established in 1964 by the California legislature, the Port merged control of public access and maritime activities across its jurisdiction. Today, the seven-member Board of Port Commissioners, appointed by city councils from each of the five cities, governs land use, legislation, and budgetary decisions, implemented by the Port’s executive team.
Chadwick’s appointment comes at a time of significant transformation and opportunity for the Port. The organization is actively advancing major projects, including the implementation of the Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which prioritizes zero-emissions technologies, including all-electric mobile harbor cranes and the first all-electric harbor tug in the U.S. These initiatives underscore the Port’s commitment to improving air quality and public health.
Additionally, the Port is finalizing its Master Plan Update, which will serve as a 30-year roadmap for balancing environmental, economic, and community interests along the waterfront. Other key projects include:
- Chula Vista Bayfront Redevelopment: Set to open in 2025, the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center and Sweetwater Park will transform the area with new visitor amenities and expanded public access.
- National City Balanced Plan: A comprehensive effort to enhance public access, recreation, and maritime opportunities in National City.
- East Harbor Island and Central Embarcadero: Expanding public access and recreational spaces along the waterfront.
- Cruise and Cargo Growth: Investments in maritime operational efficiency to increase cargo and cruise opportunities.
Chadwick has emphasized his commitment to collaborative leadership, working with Commissioners, staff, tenants, and stakeholders to ensure the Port meets its ambitious goals. “The Port’s environmental leadership, dedication to public access, and focus on community culture are truly inspiring,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure we continue to drive progress and deliver meaningful results for the region.”
With Chadwick at the helm, the Port of San Diego is poised to continue its legacy as a steward of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public service. His combination of public sector expertise, military discipline, and community-focused leadership marks the beginning of a new era for one of California’s most vital regional entities. As the Port advances its ambitious agenda, Chadwick’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly shape the waterfront’s future for generations to come.
