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Rules committee confirms Eleni Kounalakis as Port Commissioner
Summary
The Rules Committee voted to confirm Eleni Kounalakis to the San Francisco Port Commission after the nominee described land-use and waterfront priorities and received endorsements from local leaders and a letter from U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
The Rules Committee confirmed Eleni Kounalakis to the San Francisco Port Commission on a voice vote after the nominee outlined priorities for managing the city’s waterfront and securing leadership for the Port Department.
Kounalakis, nominated by Mayor Edwin Lee, told the committee she would “call upon my experiences and expertise in land use and business” and said she intends to learn the details of Port projects before taking positions. She noted the imminent departure of the Port’s long‑time executive director as an early area of focus and referenced major waterfront projects and an upcoming waterfront plan update.
Supervisor Malia Cohen said she would support the nomination and urged Kounalakis to act independently of appointing authorities when necessary. Public supporters included former Mayor Art Agnos, Port Commissioner Leslie Katz and Willie Adams of the International Longshore and Warehousemen’s Union; a staff member read a letter from Nancy Pelosi endorsing the appointment.
After public comment, Supervisor Cohen moved to confirm and the committee approved the nomination by voice. Chair Katie Tang congratulated Kounalakis and the room applauded.
The committee sent the confirmation to the full Board of Supervisors as routine committee action; the item will appear on the Board’s February 23 agenda.
