Port Welcomes Michael Zucchet as New Commissioner

SAN DIEGO, CA, USA - The Port of San Diego welcomes Michael Zucchet as the newest commissioner representing the City of San Diego. Commissioner Zucchet took the oath of office on June 15, 2017 at the Port of San Diego Administration Building.

“On behalf of the Board of Port Commissioners, I welcome Michael Zucchet and look forward to his perspective and expertise,” said Chairman Robert “Dukie” Valderrama, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Mr. Zucchet brings a wide array of skills and interests that will benefit our communities, the environment, our businesses, and most importantly, our residents and visitors to the San Diego waterfront.”

The Port is governed by a seven-member board, of which three members are appointed by the City of San Diego and one each is appointed by the cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City.

“Mr. Zucchet’s public sector experience and background in environmental economics will serve us well as we approach the final stages of our Port Master Plan update,” said Vice Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “His expertise will complement and increase the Commission’s capability as we strive to balance the diversity of interests on our vibrant waterfront.”

Zucchet has extensive political, public affairs and environmental economics experience. He is currently the general manager of the San Diego Municipal Employees Association, the union that represents city workers. He has also worked for the Utility Consumers’ Action Network (UCAN), and served as the legislative and community affairs director for the San Diego City Fire Fighters. In public office, Zucchet represented District 2 on the San Diego City Council.

Zucchet earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s degree in environmental economics and policy from Duke University. He worked as a renewable energy economist with the Energy Information Administration of the United States Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.; has done work with the nonprofit Environmental Defense Center in Santa Barbara; and has served as president of the San Diego League of Conservation Voters.

Zucchet’s community involvement includes serving as Chair of the San Diego MADD Advisory Board; Board member of the Center on Policy Initiatives; Chair of the City of San Diego’s Municipal Golf Committee; Board member of the San Diego Regional Climate Education Partnership; and member of the San Diego Business Alliance for Water.