Randa Coniglio, who previously served as the Port of San Diego’s first female president and CEO, returned to the leadership role July 17 after former President and CEO Joe Stuyvesant was placed on administrative leave earlier this month.
During closed session July 14, port commissioners appointed Coniglio as acting president and CEO “for an undetermined amount of time,” according to port Public Information Officer Brianne Page.
The closed session took place with a 24-hour notice, the port said.
Board Chairman Rafael Castellanos did not participate because of a personal commitment and Board Vice Chair Sandy Naranjo recused herself from participating.
Acting Board Chair Danielle Moore said July 14 that Coniglio would provide continuity of operations and ensure stability for the port, constituents and businesses at this time.
“Our primary focus continues to be on the seamless continuation of our services and the welfare of our employees and stakeholders,” Moore said. “Randa brings a wealth of experience with this organization and a deep understanding of our agency’s mission, which will be instrumental in moving forward.”
When asked why Stuyvesant was placed on administrative leave, Page told PMM Online that the port is unable to share additional information at this time as personnel matters are confidential.
“We will provide any updates and information when appropriate,” she said.
Coniglio handled local commercial investment properties for a Japanese firm for eight years and worked in retail leasing and development for five years before starting her career at the port as senior real estate asset manager in 2000.
Since then, she served various roles at the port, including area real estate manager, director of real estate, assistant vice president – operations, vice president – operations and executive vice president. In 2015, she was promoted to president and CEO of the port and served through 2021.
During her tenure, the port saw the revitalization of Seaport Village, the development of the Portside Pier and the modernization of the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, which was completed in June 2020, the opening of the Intercontinental Hotel and the launch of the Blue Economy Incubator.
Stuyvesant, who has been the port’s President and CEO since February, 2021, was placed on paid leave on July 11 pending an investigation, according to local news reports.
