Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

San Diego Port CEO Wayne Darbeau Ousted

Embattled Port of San Diego CEO Wayne Darbeau was ousted today by the Board of Port Commissioners.

John Bolduc, the agency's vice president of public safety, will be the acting CEO.

San Diego Port CEO Wayne Darbeau's Severance Agreement
Wayne Darbeau's severance agreement with the San Diego Unified Port District.
To view PDF files, download Acrobat Reader.

According to a port-issued statement, Darbeau was placed on paid administrative leave through the end of this year, at which point he will no longer be employed.

Advertisement

Darbeau, who has held the job for about four years, got in hot water when he sent an email to Sharon Bernie-Cloward, the president of the San Diego Port Tenants Association, asking if its members could help in his son's search for a summer job. He withdrew the request when the message became public.

It was later reported that Darbeau's son and his best friend had obtained summer jobs with Pasha Automotive, a major port tenant, two years ago.

The tenants' group is made up of hotels, restaurants and other businesses on port land that are affected by decisions by the port's commissioners and executive staff.

In response to criticism about using his position to help his family, Darbeau, 61, said he was acting like most parents when he reached out to "professional and personal networks" to help find his son a job.

In a statement, the commissioners lauded Darbeau for streamlining operations and improving finances and said parting ways was the best way to build on Darbeau's legacy.

Advertisement

Port Commission Chairman Bob Nelson said Bolduc excels at motivating people and communicating.

"We are grateful to have John at the helm during this time of transition and reflection, and we have no doubt he's going to serve the port well in his new capacity, just as he has effectively served the public during his entire professional career," Nelson said.

In his role as pubic safety vice president, Bolduc has been the chief of the San Diego Harbor Police Department.