Port of Oakland names Justin Berton communications director, assigning lead media role across port operations

Appointment takes effect immediately

The Port of Oakland has appointed Justin Berton as its Director of Communications, effective January 28, 2026. The role positions Berton as the agency’s lead communications strategist and primary media liaison across the Port’s major lines of business, including the Oakland Seaport, Oakland Airport (OAK), commercial real estate holdings, and the Port’s utility operations.

The Port is governed by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners and operates as a public agency established in 1927. Its revenues are tied to aviation, maritime, and commercial real estate activity rather than local tax dollars.

Scope includes seaport, airport, real estate, and a public utility

The communications director post is designed to coordinate public-facing information and media relations across a complex set of operations that touch regional trade, passenger travel, and waterfront development. The Port oversees nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square.

In recent years, the Port has publicly framed its work around infrastructure modernization and decarbonization, while also emphasizing workforce and local economic impacts. The Port’s published economic reporting credits Port activity with supporting 98,345 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity, with the total value reflecting business revenues, consumer spending, and the value of goods and services tied to Port operations.

Berton’s background spans government communications and journalism

Berton’s prior roles include serving as Director of Communications for Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf for five years. He also worked at the Port of San Francisco, where he held a communications leadership position beginning in early 2023. Earlier in his career, he worked as a journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle and the East Bay Express.

Beyond government and agency roles, Berton has operated a communications consultancy, Berton Media, which has worked on media campaigns for civic leaders, government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and private-sector clients. The Port said he lives in Oakland with his family.

Position arrives amid high-visibility public issues for the Port

The communications director will step into a portfolio that includes ongoing, high-profile public interest in airport branding and regional transportation messaging, as well as operational topics tied to seaport performance and environmental initiatives. The Port has also continued expanding public-facing digital tools intended to provide real-time operational information to freight and community users.

• Effective date: January 28, 2026
• Coverage: seaport, airport, commercial real estate, and utility holdings
• Local footprint: nearly 20 miles of Oakland waterfront, including Jack London Square
• Economic figures cited by the Port: 98,345 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity

In announcing the appointment, Port leadership said the hire is intended to strengthen proactive public communication across the agency’s operations and stakeholders.