Wendy Siao

Wendy Siao brings nearly 20 years of experience in the government sector, specializing in economic development and real estate. For the past two years, she has served the city of Santa Monica in business retention and recruitment while also managing day-to-day escalations for the Santa Monica Pier, which draws 12 to 14 million visitors each year. Before joining Santa Monica, Siao spent 14 years at the Port of San Diego, progressing through roles in real estate, business development, development entitlements, and team management for review of development projects. One of her most notable achievements was guiding the over-the-water Courtside Pier restaurant complex through a two-year entitlement process involving the Coastal Commission and CEQA, despite challenges including negative press and a pandemic opening. Siao earned her bachelor's degree in architecture from Cal Poly Pomona in 2002 after completing a rigorous five-year program. She maintains active memberships in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), California Economic Development (CALED), and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). She completed the LEAD Women's Leadership Program through the San Diego Chamber and received an ICMA mini scholarship. Siao emphasizes strong work ethics, accountability, and leaving places better than she found them, and she is personally developing a cat lounge concept in San Diego to offer emotional support animal experiences without full-time pet ownership.