Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf appointed as president and CEO of Bay Area Council
In a significant career move that keeps her at the center of regional policy and economic development, former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has been named the next president and CEO of the Bay Area Council. The announcement, confirmed by both KTVU and the San Francisco Chronicle, marks a new chapter for Schaaf, who served two terms as the mayor of Oakland before stepping down. The Bay Area Council, a prominent business-sponsored public policy advocacy organization, represents hundreds of the region's largest employers. Schaaf’s appointment is seen as a strategic choice, given her deep understanding of the local political landscape and her experience navigating the complex social and economic challenges facing the East Bay and the broader metropolitan area.
During her tenure as mayor, Schaaf was known for her focus on housing, public safety, and educational equity, though her administration also faced criticism over the city’s homelessness crisis and police department scandals. In her new role at the Bay Area Council, she will be tasked with leading initiatives that promote economic vitality and improve the quality of life for the millions of residents across the nine-county region. Her transition from public office to a major business advocacy group highlights the revolving door between government and industry in California, but also provides the Council with a leader who possesses firsthand experience in managing a major urban center. Schaaf has expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating that she looks forward to working with the business community to solve the 'most pressing regional challenges' that do not stop at city borders.
The reaction to Schaaf’s appointment has been generally positive among the business community, which values her pragmatic approach and existing relationships with state and local leaders. However, some activists in Oakland have expressed concern that her new position may prioritize corporate interests over the needs of vulnerable communities. Despite these critiques, the Bay Area Council believes Schaaf is the right person to lead the organization through a period of post-pandemic economic shifts and ongoing housing shortages. As she takes the helm, her first priorities are expected to include transportation infrastructure improvements and advocating for policies that encourage sustainable business growth. For the people of Oakland and the surrounding cities, Schaaf’s new role ensures that her influence on the region’s future will continue to be felt for years to come.