Oakland City Hall Announces Departure of Three Senior Officials After Election

OAKLAND — November 7, 2026. Oakland City Hall confirmed the departures of three senior administrators Friday, days after Mayor Barbara Lee secured election to a full term. City Administrator Betsy Lake informed employees that Transportation Director Josh Rowan, Human Resources Director Mary Hao and Assistant City Administrator Chuck Baker were leaving.

Who made the personnel decisions?

Under the city’s existing charter structure, the city administrator oversees department head hiring and dismissal. Lee’s office said the decisions were made by Lake and supported by the mayor. Voters have also approved Measure EE, a charter change intended to strengthen the mayor’s authority over department leadership, but the current personnel decisions should not be falsely attributed to powers that have yet to take effect.

Why this matters

The officials oversaw transportation, labor relations, economic development and technology initiatives. Rowan had managed speed-enforcement cameras and downtown mobility projects; Hao worked on labor negotiations; Baker handled development and business partnerships. The administration did not give a detailed public explanation for every departure.

Interim leadership

Assistant Transportation Director Megan Wier will lead that department temporarily, while Andrea Mariano will serve as acting human-resources director. Residents can monitor City Council and administration announcements for permanent appointments and any changes in project oversight.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle, November 6, 2026.

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