All Eyes on Mayor as San Diego’s Chief Financial Officer Gets Job at Port 

The city of San Diego’s chief financial officer, Matt Vespi, is headed to the Port of San Diego.  

Vespi will be joining the Port as its new chief administrative officer and is slated to start his new role on Nov. 4. A spokesperson for Mayor Todd Gloria said his last day is Nov. 3.  

The longtime city leader’s exit comes at a tense time at City Hall. Councilmembers are on the fence about a consequential vote on water rates, and continue to grapple with the fallout of this year’s budget negotiations. Vespi also represents the city of San Diego on the San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors.  

His departure will be felt. After the mayor fired former Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan, Vespi was the top city manager left and he helped the mayor and Council navigate this year’s budget deficit. Now, port CEO Scott Chadwick, who once ran the city’s operations, has poached Vespi to run the port’s.  

“He is deeply engaged with his teams and dedicated to supporting staff success, and I am confident his commitment will help drive the Port’s mission forward as we continue to serve the San Diego region, the state, and our partners,” Chadwick said in his own statement.  

Vespi served in multiple roles across finance, risk management and public utilities.  

“Matt Vespi’s leadership and expertise has been invaluable to the city of San Diego. He leaves big shoes to fill, and will be sorely missed,” said Councilmember Kent Lee, in a written statement. “The port of San Diego has gained an incredibly talented and dedicated public servant, and I wish him the very best in his new role.” 

Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera also spoke to Vespi’s “steady hand” in guiding the city’s finances. 

“I’m grateful for his service and know his leadership at the city will be deeply missed,” said Councilmember Elo-Rivera. “Given the significant workload Matt carries and the mayor’s dual roles as chief executive officer and chief operating officer, it is critical that his successor be identified and appointed quickly.” 

 A spokesperson for the mayor said they will announce next steps before Vespi’s last day but did not confirm when exactly. They also did not say who would fill his role.  

“I’m grateful for his leadership,” Gloria said in a statement. “In his new role at the Port of San Diego, he’ll be a key proponent to advance a regional vision for the waterfront that Californians will view with pride.” 

Former City Councilmember Chris Cate, who now runs the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the port is lucky to have Vespi.  

“I’ve worked with Matt for a number of years, and he’s always approached his work at the city with a problem-solving, creative, and level-headed manner. From city finances to water policy, he was always willing to tackle difficult tasks. The port is extremely lucky to have him,” Cate, who is also a member of Voice of San Diego’s Board of Directors, said.