Port of Oakland boss appointed CAPA Vice President

Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan was just appointed Vice President of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA). During a week celebrating Ports Day 2021, which highlights the significant contributions California ports made to assist the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wan fills the key leadership role effective immediately. The role was left vacant following the passing of Port of Richmond Executive Director Jim Matzorkis in December.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to help lead a unified advocacy effort for our system of California ports,” said Danny Wan. “Our business recovery efforts in Oakland will guide my work with CAPA as we move toward stabilizing and strengthening our maritime and freight sectors.” 

California ports are essential gateways for commerce, importation of goods and exports of California products including agricultural products and technology. “CAPA calls attention to the need for statewide coordination of investments in goods movement infrastructure, conversion to clean energy operations and efficient transportation corridors,” said Wan. “Just like the Port of Oakland, which supports over 84,000 jobs in Northern California, each California port contributes to a healthy economy, job base and environment in each of its respective regions and statewide.”

Wan has been Executive Director of the Port of Oakland since November 2019. In that time, he oversaw the Port of Oakland’s successful emergency efforts providing facilities and logistical support for the Grand Princess cruise ship and pandemic relief. Mr. Wan also led the efforts to establish the first in the nation airport COVID-19 testing sites for employees, travelers and the local community at Oakland International Airport. 

Wan will be working closely with CAPA President Gene Seroka, who is the Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. CAPA has provided public policy guidance for the 11 public commercial port authorities across the state for more than 60 years. The organization works with state and federal leaders on issues related to port operations and advancing the interests of the maritime community. The port authorities that comprise CAPA are responsible for handling 40 percent of all containerized imports and 30 percent of all exports in the U.S. More than 1 million California jobs and 3 million jobs nationally are linked to trade through CAPA member ports.