Michael Zucchet, the longtime leader of the city of San Diego’s largest employee union, will represent San Diego on the seven-member board that governs the San Diego Unified Port District for another four years.
Tuesday, San Diego City Councilmembers voted unanimously to appoint Zucchet to his third full term as port commissioner, ending Jan. 2, 3031. The action required council members to waive a policy restricting board positions to two terms.
Zucchet is currently vice chair of the Board of Port Commissioners and next in line to serve as chair in 2027, a position that directly influences what comes before the governing body for a vote. His current term was set to expire on Jan. 2, 2027.
Council members spoke approvingly of Zucchet’s role in advancing the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which includes efforts to transition the agency’s maritime operations from fossil fuels to electric power.
“I too lodge your commitment to environmental advances, including electrification of our marine terminals, positive results for the port cities, the city of San Diego and our most impacted communities,” said Councilmember Joe LaCava. “I want to recognize, we’re not here to save the planet. We’re here to save ourselves and our way of life, where we work and where we play. And Mr. Zucchet, you are geared 100% for that, to minimize the impact to those waterfront communities, to make sure that we have a strong and vibrant working waterfront. And you find that balance. … You’re leading the d— way.”
The San Diego Unified Port District was formed by the state in 1962 as a special district. The district spans 34 miles of land and water in five member cities: San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and Coronado.
Michael Zucchet, pictured center, is vice chair of the Board of Port Commissioners for the San Diego Unified Port District. He is pictured alongside Chair Ann Moore and Secretary GilAnthony Ungab at the agency’s swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 14, 2026. (Port of San Diego)
The port is governed by the Board of Port Commissioners. Commissioners are appointed for four-year terms by their member cities, and are responsible for setting district policy, enacting laws, administering leases, approving waterfront development deals and overseeing top executives.
Commissioners do not earn a salary, but do receive benefits, including health insurance and a vehicle stipend. They are also reimbursed for port-related business travel.
Born and raised in San Diego, Zucchet received his B.A. in Business Economics and Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. He worked as a renewable energy economist with the U.S. Department of Energy before returning to San Diego.
The Ocean Beach resident, 56, is currently the general manager of the San Diego Municipal Employees Association and handles labor negotiations for city staff, making him a familiar face at City Hall.
Zucchet also served as a San Diego City Councilmember from 2002 and 2005. He was deputy mayor in 2005 before being convicted on federal corruption charges related to an effort to change regulations for strip clubs. He was acquitted of most of the charges in late 2005, and was legally cleared of any wrongdoing in 2010.
In June 2017, a divided City Council appointed Zucchet to the port board to fill the remaining term of Bob Nelson, who had resigned. He was reappointed for four-year terms in December 2018 and August 2022.
Although the port does not have term limits for commissioners, San Diego City Council policy limits board and committee appointees to two full terms. The policy has been waived for previous port commissioners. Steve Cushman was appointed to a third term as port commissioner in 2007 and Rafael Castellanos was appointed to a third term in 2021.
Council members voted 8 to 0 to appoint Zucchet to another term. Councilmember Vivian Moreno was absent.