The Port of San Diego officially swore in its 2026 officers for the Board of Port Commissioners on Wednesday, Jan. 14, marking the start of a new leadership year focused on expanding public access to the region’s waterfront.
The ceremony took place at the newly opened Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center on the Chula Vista Bayfront, drawing community leaders, stakeholders, and Port employees from across the region.
Chula Vista appointee Ann Y. Moore was sworn in as chair, joined by Vice Chair Michael Zucchet, a San Diego appointee, and Secretary GilAnthony Ungab, National City’s appointee. The officers are elected by the board and serve one-year terms.
During the ceremony, Moore announced her guiding theme for 2026: “Delivering Coastal Access Today.” In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of development projects that create access and opportunity along the San Diego Bay waterfront while balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and community benefit.
“Growing up in Chula Vista, I knew people who never went to the beach or the bay,” Moore said. “It’s hard to believe we lived within a couple of miles from the waterfront, and yet it seemed so far away. Our bayfront was for steel and concrete, not for people. All the ‘good stuff’ like sandy beaches and waterfront shops and restaurants were in San Diego or Coronado.”
Moore said progress over the years has helped bring more amenities to the South Bay and across the Port’s jurisdiction, crediting current and past commissioners for their work.
“I am grateful that this board and many previous commissioners have worked very hard to bring more ‘good stuff’ to the South Bay and all around the port,” she said. “To me, ‘Delivering Coastal Access Today’ means that development projects should bring investment and benefits to the community – things like good-paying jobs and economic opportunities as well as improved public parks and facilities, public art, and environmental stewardship.”
Looking ahead, the port identified several initiatives that support the theme, including park improvement projects at locations such as Harbor Park in Chula Vista, Pepper Park in National City, Dunes Park and Pier Plaza in Imperial Beach, Cesar Chavez Park and Freedom Park at Navy Pier in San Diego, and additional sites throughout the region.
Redevelopment and planning efforts include the Chula Vista Bayfront Project, the proposed Seaport San Diego project, the Port Master Plan Update, the National City Balanced Plan, and the Trust Lands Use Plan. Environmental priorities include the Maritime Clean Air Strategy and ongoing environmental protection and conservation efforts.
Moore was sworn in by her daughter, Ashlin Y. Lutes. Zucchet was sworn in by his wife, Teresa Zucchet, and Ungab was sworn in by retired U.S. Attorney Patrick O’Toole.
The seven-member Board of Port Commissioners also includes outgoing chair Danielle Moore, San Diego appointee; Dan Malcolm, Imperial Beach appointee; Frank Urtasun, Coronado appointee; and Sid Voorakkara, the third San Diego appointee. Commissioners are appointed by their respective city councils for four-year terms.
The board sets policy for the Port of San Diego, which manages San Diego Bay and its 34 miles of waterfront for the people of California under the Public Trust Doctrine. Established in 1962, the Port works with its five member cities to support commerce, navigation, recreation, and environmental stewardship while contributing billions annually to the regional economy.
