The Port of Oakland announced the appointment of Justin Berton to serve as its new Director of Communications, effective January 28, 2026.
Berton will serve as the agency’s lead communications strategist and primary media liaison for the seaport, airport, commercial real estate, and utility holdings.
Kristi McKenney, the Port of Oakland’s Executive Director, expressed her statisfaction of adding Justin’s expertise and deep knowledge of the Bay Area’s media and government landscape to build a dynamic and proactive storytelling team.
Berton previously worked at the Port of San Francisco and also served as the Director of Communications to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf for five years.
He was previously a journalist at the San Francisco Chronicle and East Bay Express.
His media consultancy group, Berton Media, has created proactive media campaigns for regional civic leaders, government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and private sector clients.
