When ILWU International Secretary Treasurer Willie Adams was unanimously elected President of the San Francisco Port Commission on January 20 with Vice President Kim Brandon, it marked the first time in the Port’s 152-year history that two African-Americans held both of the top positions.
ILWU International Sec-Treasurer Willie Adams
Prior to Adams and Brandon, the only previous African American to serve on the Port Commission was the late Dr. Arthur Coleman, a highly-respected physician who served from 1981 to 1992.
“I intend to work with the Commissioners, Port staff and Mayor Lee to carefullymanage the Port so it benefits all the citizens of San Francisco,” said Adams, who previously served two years as Vice President on the Commission. He was appointed to the Port body by Mayor Ed Lee in 2012 and previously served on San Francisco’s Film Commission for three years.
San Francisco’s Port Commission consists of five appointees, each selected by the Mayor, who are subject to confirmation by the Board of Supervisors for each four-year term. The Commission oversees 7.5 miles of prime waterfront property along San Francisco Bay, most of it leased for maritime, industrial, retail and commercial office uses – including the landmarks at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, the Ferry Building and Giants Baseball stadium.
“My experience working on the docks gives me a good perspective for serving on the Port Commission,” said Adams.
“It’s an incredibly valuable resource that needs to be carefully protected and managed for future generations.”