Commissioner Profiles

The Port is governed by a seven member Board of Port Commissioners; one commissioner is appointed by each of the city councils of Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City, and three commissioners are appointed by the San Diego City Council. The Board establishes policies under which the Port's staff - supervised by the Executive Director - conducts its daily operations.

Michael B. Bixler — Chairman

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Appointed to the Board of Port Commissioners in June 2002 to represent the City of Imperial Beach, Commissioner Bixler is a vice president of Merrill Lynch Private Client Group. Active in civic service, he served as mayor of Imperial Beach from 1990 to 1998. During this time, he was also chairman of the San Diego Association of Governments and president of the California Council of Governments. A Naval aviator, he earned his master of science degree at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and is a graduate of UC Berkeley.

Stephen P. Cushman — Vice Chairman

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Stephen P. Cushman was selected to represent the City of San Diego in January 1999 and served as Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners in 2002. As a fourth generation San Diegan, Commissioner Cushman has continued the Cushman family tradition of service to the community. The Commissioner has served successfully on more than 60 boards and commissions, including serving as a board member for Sharp Healthcare and Sharp Memorial Hospital and board member for Hubbs SeaWorld. In addition to these, he has served as President of the 2005 Holiday Bowl. He was president of Cush Automotive Group and a recognized leader in the automotive sales industry.

Robert “Dukie” Valderrama — Secretary

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Robert “Dukie” Valderrama was sworn in to represent the City of National City in January, 2005. He served for two years as a Director on the San Diego County Water Authority Board and served on the agency’s Engineering and Operations Public Affairs Special Budget Committee. His past appointments within the City of National City include serving on the agency’s Planning and Environmental Professional Committees. He has also served on the City of National City’s Park and Recreation Commission and as Chairman of the agency’s Planning Commission. Active in civic affairs, he has served as Chairman of the Board of San Diego Construction Council, Inc. He is President of A-D & D Drywall, Inc. and of WestCoast Scaffold, Inc.

Laurie J. Black

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Laurie J. Black was sworn in to represent the City of San Diego in June 2007. Commissioner Black is past president of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, a non-profit organization that provides enhanced maintenance and safety services for over 270 downtown blocks. Her career has involved political fundraising, issue development, press relations and implementation of campaign strategies for local, state and federal candidates for elective office. She served as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Lynn Schenk. Active in civic affairs, she has served on the San Diego City Library Commission and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. She is currently a member of the Board of Overseers at the University of California at San Diego, and is a member of the LEAD San Diego Leadership Trust.

Mike Najera

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Mike Najera was sworn in to represent the City of Chula Vista in October 2006. Commissioner Najera is president and co-owner of Cornerstone Building Group. He is a lifetime resident of South San Diego County and is involved in many community charitable organizations. His civic responsibilities include serving on the boards of the San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Sweetwater Education Foundation, the UCSD Hispanic Scholarship Foundation and the Borderview YMCA. He has also served in leadership roles with the Chula Vista American Youth Soccer Organization, the San Diego City College Students in Free Enterprise Program and the Adelante Latino Conference.

Sylvia Rios

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Sylvia C. Rios was sworn in to represent the City of San Diego in April 2003. Commissioner Rios is President and CEO of First Security Mortgage, a mortgage loan company. Her commitment to community service is evidenced by her long history of civic activities. She has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Board of United Way of San Diego, the Equal Opportunity Board for the City of San Diego, and the Mexican American Business and Professional Association. Commissioner Rios presently serves on the Corporate Board of the San Diego YMCA and has served in that position for over 10 years. She has also participated in Las Madrinas, helping and encouraging young Latinas to further their education.

Robert J. (Rocky) Spane

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Robert J. (Rocky) Spane was selected to represent the City of Coronado beginning January 2002, and served as Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners in 2006. A career naval officer, he retired as a Vice Admiral after serving for 33 years. His assignments included Commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group during Desert Storm and Commanding Officer of the nuclear aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise. In civilian life, he has served on the boards of several public and privately held companies including Vanguard Airlines where he became President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. He was also appointed to the Department of Homeland Security's Academe and Policy Research Senior Advisory Committee. He also serves on the board of advisors for Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the board of directors for the San Diego Aerospace Museum.

Bruce B. Hollingsworth — President/CEO

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Bruce B. Hollingsworth joined the Port in April, 1985. Appointed President/ CEO in 2002, he is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Port, which in fiscal year 2006 had gross revenues (including operating and non-operating) of $161 million and employs over 600 people. The principal operations of the Port include maritime cargo and the administration of 366 leases of tenant firms located around San Diego Bay. Under the Board’s direction, Mr. Hollingsworth is implementing strategic plans to create the best possible use of tideland properties for benefit of the entire region.