For Immediate Release
June 2, 2004

Oakland, Calif. (June 2, 2004) - The Port of Oakland's Board of Port Commissioners today held a special meeting and approved the appointment of Jerry Bridges to the position of Executive Director, replacing the Port's current Executive Director, Tay Yoshitani, who is returning to the East Coast to join his family in Baltimore, Md.

The Board interviewed and considered the qualifications of several candidates over the past few months and, after having conducted a nation-wide search, determined that Jerry Bridges, the port's current Director of Maritime, was best suited for the position. "Mr. Bridges has proven experience in directing our maritime operations over the past three years and has demonstrated his ability to operate a major revenue center. We are confident that he will bring a real focus to our business and the needs of our customers," stated John Protopappas, president of the Board of Port Commissioners. Commissioner David Kramer, chair of the Port's Maritime Committee, commented that "Jerry Bridges has been on both the private and public side of the Port's operations and that brings an important perspective to our mission that can't be overlooked."

The Port has placed tremendous emphasis on environmental stewardship and social equity, while at the same time facing stiff economic challenges resulting from an aggressive capital expansion program, the recent downturn in the economy, and the high cost of homeland security at the seaport and the airport. Commissioner Frank Kiang, member of the Port's Audit, Budget, and Finance Committee stated that "This is a time to focus on our customers and the business of the Port so that we can continue to support with greater confidence our commitments to environmental stewardship and social equity. Mr. Bridges has gained the Commission's confidence and respect as someone who will look for the proper balance and find ways to meet the financial challenges that lie ahead."

Bridges was cited by the Board as someone who brings a wealth of experience to the Port through his impressive career in the maritime industry. He has successfully served as Maritime Director at the Port since September of 2001. Prior to his appointment as maritime director, Mr. Bridges was Vice President with Marine Terminals Corporations where he managed the operations and expansion of the MTC terminal in Oakland. Mr. Bridges also served for five years as Port Manager of Sea Land Services, Inc. where he was responsible for the terminal, marine, and vessel operations for the company in two different ports. "I am thrilled and honored to assume this important position", stated Bridges, "it is the highlight of my professional career. The Port of Oakland has tremendous potential for success and that will translate to meaningful benefits for our customers, local business, the City of Oakland, and the region. I'm committed to seeing that the Port of Oakland achieves its potential as the economic crown jewel of the region. "

Mr. Bridges holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University, North Carolina and served as an officer for the United States Marine Corps for twenty years where he achieved the rank of Major. He is an Oakland resident.

Bridges was one of three final candidates considered for the prestigious position, two of whom were existing Port of Oakland employees. "Each of the in-house candidates represented an unsurpassed level of commitment to the Port of Oakland and we are very fortunate to have such qualified employees," stated President Protopappas. The appointment of Jerry Bridges will be effective July 1, 2004.

The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 as an independent department of the City of Oakland. The Port of Oakland oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland Seaport handled a record 1.9 million TEUs in 2003 and is the 4th busiest container port in the U.S. Some 32 ocean carriers provide service at Oakland. The Seaport consists of approximately 900 acres of maritime facilities with 11 major marine terminals and two near-dock rail facilities.

Contact:
Harold Jones
Director of Communications
(510) 627-1564
hjones@portoakland.com