Laurie J. Black Announces Resignation From Board of Port Commissioners

Tuesday, 21 April 2009

Laurie Black, a San Diego Port Commissioner and advocate for environmental conservation and public access to the tidelands, has resigned from the Board of Port Commissioners.

Commissioner Black, who is leaving the Port Commission for personal reasons, was appointed to the Board nearly two years ago by Mayor Jerry Sanders. She informed the mayor of her decision last week, along with San Diego Unified Port District President/CEO Charlie Wurster and Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Stephen Cushman.

"It is with a heavy heart that I am submitting my resignation from the San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, effective immediately," Black wrote in a letter to Mayor Sanders. "Unfortunately, my family is facing agonizing health issues and challenges that need all of my attention."

After informing Port executives of her decision, Black said she was resigning from the greatest job she's ever had.

"It breaks my heart," she said.

Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Stephen Cushman, after learning of Black's resignation, praised his colleague.

"Laurie served this Board and the Port with distinction and passion," Cushman said. "Laurie has been a valued colleague and friend. I am sorry she is leaving us. But, family comes first; she has made the right decision."

A consultant and past president of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, Black was sworn in as a commissioner in June 2007.

Black is well known for her political and civic involvement. On the Board of Port Commissioners, she was a passionate advocate for protecting the environment through air and water conservation. She also pushed for LEED certification of major Port projects, including the proposed Broadway Cruise Ship Terminal and the Lane Field development, which includes a 525-room hotel and a 275-room hotel. Over the years, she also has been a champion for women's rights, gay rights and the homeless.

Before joining the Board, Black was the chief of staff to former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk in the 1990s and she worked on John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. She also owned a business focusing on political fundraising, issue development, press relations and campaign strategies.

Black has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the San Diego City Library Commission and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board.
While on the Board of Port Commissioners, Black also served as a Chair of the Port's Marketing-PR Advisory Committee as well as a member of the Environmental Advisory Committee.

She also has served on the Board of Overseers of the University of California San Diego and is a member of the LEAD San Diego Leadership Trust. Commissioner Black was also a member of the Budget, Finance and Nominating Committees of the San Diego Opera and is a past member of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center.

A graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Commissioner Black has received numerous civic honors including the 2004 Women Who Mean Business Award sponsored by the San Diego Business Journal. She was named one of the 10 Women of Dedication by the Salvation Army in 2002. In 2001, she was awarded an Alonzo Award for her vision in creating the Downtown San Diego Partnership's Clean & Safe Program. The YWCA selected her for the TWIN Award for Women in Industry in 1999 and she was also named one of San Diego Magazine's 50 People to Watch that same year.

The City of San Diego will appoint a replacement for Black, whose term expires in January 2013.

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