SAN DIEGO–The Airport Authority has selected Michelle Brega to fill the newly created role of Senior Director for External Relations.
In the role, Brega will be responsible for leading the Airport Authority’s public and community outreach, and government relations functions.
Brega brings deep experience in government and community relations, strategic communications, and economic development to her new role, as well as a robust network of contacts throughout the San Diego region and beyond.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Michelle to the Airport Authority during such an exciting time for both the airport and our region,” said Kim Becker, the Airport Authority’s President/CEO. “Her extensive network and experience will elevate our external outreach efforts to the next level as we plan for the future of San Diego International Airport.”
Brega has strong ties to the San Diego community, having been involved in key civic initiatives in San Diego over the past 25 years. She worked on San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 2 expansion in the late ‘90s along with a number of major downtown projects. As an executive with the Downtown San Diego Partnership, Brega was at the center of major campaigns, including the last Convention Center expansion, the Padres “Yes on C” ballpark campaign, and the property owner vote to create a Property-Based Improvement District downtown. She also worked on the Balboa Park Transportation Master Plan and the Downtown San Diego Master Plan.
In 2010, after three years serving as a senior vice president for Bank of America in San Diego, Brega accepted a promotion that took her to San Francisco. She later helped Ford Motor Company launch its joint community engagement efforts with 70 Ford dealerships across Northern California before joining U.S. Bank, where she worked until joining the Airport Authority.
Brega also served as chief of staff to a California State Assemblywoman, working out of the Member’s Poway district office. During this period, she managed the team’s legislative efforts during the energy crisis.
A UC San Diego graduate, Brega served on the UCSD Alumni Association Board, as well as the boards of the NTC Foundation, New Children’s Museum, and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation Foundation.
