Bay Area Council Announces Libby Schaaf as New President and CEO

The Sobrato Organization CEO Tony Mestres Elected Board Chair to succeed Kristina Lawson as her term ends

The Bay Area Council today (April 13) announced the appointment of Libby Schaaf as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive national search. Schaaf, the former two-term Mayor of Oakland, will lead the organization’s work advancing economic vitality, innovation, and quality of life across the Bay Area.

Her selection was unanimously approved by the Executive Committee of the Bay Area Council’s Board of Directors after an extensive and competitive national search process working with the international executive search firm Heidrick and Struggles. Schaaf begins her new role on May 4.

Schaaf brings decades of public service and executive leadership experience, having served as Mayor of Oakland from 2015 to 2023. During her tenure, she led transformative initiatives to expand housing production, strengthen public safety, advance economic development, and deepen partnerships between business, government, and community stakeholders. She earned a national reputation as a pragmatic, results-oriented leader capable of navigating complex challenges while building broad coalitions.

“Libby Schaaf is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of the Bay Area’s opportunities and challenges,” said Kristina Lawson, Chair of the Bay Area Council Board of Directors and Managing Partner of Hanson Bridgett. “Her proven ability to bring people together, drive meaningful progress, and champion innovative solutions makes her uniquely suited to lead the Bay Area Council at this pivotal moment. On behalf of the Board, we are thrilled to welcome her.”

“Libby combines visionary leadership with a practical, collaborative approach that will strengthen the Council’s impact across the region,” said Kausik Rajgopal, Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “The Search Committee was deeply impressed by her track record of delivering results and her commitment to inclusive economic growth. She is the right leader to guide the Bay Area Council into its next chapter.”

“The Bay Area has always been where the future gets built—and where tough challenges get solved,” Schaaf said. “I’m honored to join the Bay Area Council and work alongside its exceptional membership of business and civic leaders to tackle the region’s greatest needs—from restoring housing affordability and strengthening our economy to improving public safety and expanding opportunity. This is a pivotal moment, and I’m excited to partner across sectors to deliver real solutions that keep the Bay Area vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive.”

Since serving as Mayor of Oakland, Schaaf has expanded her national leadership through fellowships and teaching roles at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Harvard, focused on public-private partnerships and effective governance. She has also advised the Abundance Network, a growing national movement focused on accelerating housing and infrastructure delivery, and continues to play a key regional leadership role as HUD’s appointee to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority.

Concurrent with Schaaf’s appointment, the Bay Area Council announced that Tony Mestres, CEO of The Sobrato Organization, will serve as the new Chair of the Board of Directors effective immediately.

“Libby Schaaf is a proven leader who understands both the urgency of the challenges facing our region and the opportunity we have to address them together,” Mestres said. “I look forward to working closely with her and our members to advance a bold, forward-looking agenda that strengthens the Bay Area’s economy and improves quality of life for all who live and work here.”

The Bay Area Council also recognized and thanked outgoing Board Chair Kristina Lawson for her outstanding leadership over the past three years.

“Kristina has been an extraordinary Chair, guiding the organization through a period of significant change and impact,” said Mestres. “Her leadership has strengthened the Council’s voice and effectiveness across a wide range of critical issues, and we are deeply grateful for her service.”

The organization further expressed its appreciation to John Grubb for his leadership as interim President and CEO during the transition.

“John Grubb provided steady, thoughtful leadership during this important period, ensuring continuity while continuing to advance the Council’s ambitious policy agenda,” Lawson added. “We are grateful for his commitment and service to the organization.”

Grubb, who has served with the Council for over two decades, will assume the role of Chief Strategy and Growth Officer.

Business and civic leaders across the region welcomed Schaaf’s appointment.

“Libby Schaaf has been a dedicated leader in our region for years, and the Bay Area is fortunate to have her taking on this new role,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. “I look forward to partnering with Mayor Schaaf and working with the new leadership to strengthen our public transit systems and drive our economic recovery across the region.”

“During her tenure as Mayor of Oakland, Libby Schaaf demonstrated a deep commitment to public service, economic vitality, and the well-being of Bay Area communities,” said Greg Adams, CEO of Kaiser Permanente. “She is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who understands both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with leading a dynamic region like the Bay Area, and she would bring that same level of purpose and effectiveness to the Bay Area Council.”

“I can think of no better training ground for leading our region forward than serving as mayor—Libby Schaaf knows what it takes to deliver results. Her executive experience will be critical as the Bay Area navigates a period of massive change and competes on a global stage,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “I look forward to partnering with her to tackle our toughest challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth across the region.”

“Libby Schaaf is a seasoned and collaborative leader who did great work as Mayor of Oakland,” said Congressman Sam Liccardo. “As a Silicon Valley Congressman, I look forward to partnering with her on the Bay Area’s regional priorities in Washington, D.C. to ensure that it continues as the world’s epicenter of innovation for good.”