After a nationwide search for a new president and CEO, the Port of San Diego decided Monday to stay in-house and name Randa Coniglio to the post.
The port's Board of Commissioners is scheduled Thursday to finalize the appointment of Coniglio, currently the executive vice president for operations, to replace Wayne Darbeau, who was ousted last July.
Coniglio, who was initially hired by the port 15 years ago as a senior asset manager in the Real Estate Department, is now in line to become the port's first female chief executive.
"Randa is a focused, diligent and highly creative leader who consistently delivers strong outcomes," said port Chairman Dan Malcolm. "This, combined with her track record in gaining the trust of stakeholders, achieving consensus and maintaining long-term, mutually beneficial relationships truly set her apart as the best candidate for this position."
Port officials credit her with entitling the 500-acre Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, helping get the California Coastal Commission to approve a planned expansion of the San Diego Convention Center, and securing a 25-year lease renewal to Dole Fresh Fruit.
"We have such great momentum right now on a variety of fronts," Coniglio said. "I am very fortunate to have this opportunity at a time when there is so much positive energy around the port's projects and initiatives."
Darbeau was placed on administrative leave after he sent an email to Sharon Bernie-Cloward, 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 which are affected by decisions by the port's commissioners and executive staff.
Darbeau's employment with the port ended at the close of 2014. Port police Chief John Bolduc has been serving as the port's acting president and CEO.
