Tay Yoshitani was named as new executive director in Port of Oakland

Port of Oakland's Board of Port Commissioners held a special meeting Friday, August 3,2001 to discuss the appointment of a new Executive Director to replace the Port's retiring Executive Director Charles W. Foster.

The seven-member board discussed the subject and then voted unanimously to appoint the Port's Deputy Executive Director, Tay Yoshitani, to the position of Executive Director. Final terms and date of transition are to be negotiated.

"Tay Yoshitani has a wealth of experience at the Port of Oakland having served as our Deputy Executive Director for 3 years," said Board President Phil Tagami. Tagami added, "Mr. Yoshitani is involved in overseeing our commercial real estate, maritime and aviation divisions. He has the experience, knowledge and skills to provide the Port with a continuity in vision and leadership critical during this period of unprecedented expansion."

As Deputy Executive Director of the Port of Oakland, Tay Yoshitani currently directs staff responsible for the Port's three revenue divisions, Aviation, Maritime and Commercial Real Estate, as well as the Engineering Division and the Office of Equal Opportunity. His experience is extensive having served as Executive Director with the Maryland Port Administration from 1995 to 1998 and as Deputy Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles from 1989 to 1995.

"I am delighted to be appointed as Executive Director of the Port of Oakland at such an exciting time in the Port's history," commented Yoshitani. "We are in the midst of unprecedented expansion in all three of our divisions - maritime, aviation and commercial real estate." Yoshitani added "Charles Foster has held the position of Executive Director for more than six years. In that time he has worked diligently and successfully to move the Port from a visionary stage to actual construction having achieved the necessary legislative and regulatory approvals."

Charles W. Foster, current Executive Director, announced his retirement on June 28, 2001. Foster has served as the top executive at the port for six and a half years and decided that this is the right time to retire in order to achieve a smooth transition of leadership at the Port.

Charles Foster stated that he has accomplished his goals at the Port by completing the executive phase of the Port's expansion program and that the selection of Tay Yoshitani is an excellent choice. Foster stated, "The Port of Oakland is now well grounded for the construction phase that is already underway for a number of expansion projects. Mr. Yoshitani is highly qualified to continue with the Port's agenda and its mission."

Mr. Yoshitani was also being considered for the top executive position at the Port of Portland. He officially withdrew from the opportunity at Portland after accepting the appointment at the Port of Oakland.