City Administrator Carmen Chu appoints Sophie Hayward as Convention Facilities Director

SAN FRANCISCO, CA---Today, City Administrator Carmen Chu announced the appointment of Sophie Hayward as Director of the Convention Facilities Department. Hayward brings two decades of experience in public affairs, policy, and urban development in San Francisco.

As Convention Facilities Director, Hayward will oversee operations, management, and vision of the City-owned Moscone Center--a key driver of San Francisco’s $10 billion tourism economy--and work closely with SF Travel to attract more conventions and large events to San Francisco.

“Sophie Hayward has been getting things done in San Francisco for more than two decades, and her love for this city is unshakable. Her experience bringing people together, building strong coalitions, and delivering on complex projects make her the right person to lead the Moscone Center and continue the work of welcoming conferences and driving our city’s comeback," said Mayor Lurie.

“Working alongside Sophie over the past four years to advance the mission of the City Administrator’s Office has been both a joy and a privilege. She has a rare ability to bring people together, pairing sharp policy insight with a bias for action. A true problem-solver, Sophie knows how to turn ideas into results. That is why I am thrilled to announce her appointment as San Francisco’s next Director of Convention Facilities," said City Administrator Carmen Chu. "Our iconic, world-class city deserves exceptional leadership in this role, and Sophie delivers that in every respect. I am confident she will further strengthen San Francisco’s position as a premier destination for major events.”

“Sophie is an exceptional public servant, and it’s been a real pleasure working with her," said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. "I’m excited to see her step into this next chapter at Moscone Center, which plays such a vital role in the South of Market and our local economy. Her leadership will have a direct impact on District 6, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new capacity."

Moscone has played a key role in driving San Francisco’s downtown economy and tourism industry. Last year, Moscone welcomed 39 conventions which generated an estimated $505 million in direct spending. In February 2026, Moscone hosted the Super Bowl LX Experience, bringing thousands of fans over the four-day event featuring interactive activities and entertainment leading up to the big game. This year, Moscone is slated to host over 37 events, among them the Pokémon World Championships, which is expected to welcome more than 3,000 competitors and many more fans in August.

Situated in the midst of world-class dining, shopping, gardens, and cultural institutions, the Moscone Center provides over 1.3 million sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space across three buildings and is recognized as an industry leader in sustainable practices.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong work of Ken Bukowski,” said Sophie Hayward. “The Moscone Center is a powerful draw for visitors and a key driver of our downtown economy, and I’m committed to ensuring that inside and outside its walls, people connect with the energy of our city—from our arts and cultural institutions to our small businesses and hotels—to help advance San Francisco’s continued economic recovery. I’m a proud champion of all San Francisco has to offer and look forward to bringing that enthusiasm to this role.”

A public policy leader with over 20 years of experience shaping and delivering complex government initiatives, Hayward has spearheaded major process improvements that strengthen San Francisco’s communities and the City’s built environment. Since 2022, Hayward has served as Legislative and Public Affairs Director for the City Administrator’s Office, leading legislative strategy, communications and cross-departmental initiatives.

As Director of Legislative and Public Affairs, Hayward has advanced key priorities across real estate, capital planning, procurement, and more to improve the delivery of services and support economic recovery. In 2025 and 2026, Hayward represented City Administrator Chu on the City’s Commission Streamlining Task Force, contributing to efforts to modernize and improve the effectiveness of San Francisco’s boards and commissions.

Previously, Hayward served as Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs at the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and worked at the San Francisco Planning Department, where she oversaw CEQA review for historic resources, managed entitlements for major development projects, and liaised with the Board of Supervisors on legislative affairs. Before joining the City Administrator’s Office, she founded and directed a consulting firm focused on advancing housing affordability.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Sophie to this role,” said Anna Marie Presutti, SF Travel President & CEO. “As a native San Franciscan with a deep knowledge of the city and a record of building citywide partnerships, she knows what makes San Francisco worth coming to, and what it takes to keep it thriving. SF Travel looks forward to partnering closely with Sophie to bring more world-class events to Moscone Center."

“San Francisco’s hospitality industry is deeply connected to the success of Moscone Center and the City as a whole. Together, we drive conventions, meetings, and tourism that sustain our hotels, support tens of thousands of jobs, and contribute significantly to the tax base,” said Alex Bastian, Hotel Council of San Francisco President and CEO. “We are very excited to see Sophie Hayward step into this important role as we continue to strengthen that partnership and momentum.”

“Sophie Hayward brings the focused, results-driven leadership that San Francisco needs at this pivotal moment for our downtown and visitor economy,” said Rebecca Foster, CEO of the Housing Accelerator Fund. “Having worked alongside Sophie for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand her ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver meaningful results. A thriving convention district depends on strong alignment between economic activity and livable, well-functioning neighborhoods, and Sophie understands how to bring those pieces together—pairing strategic vision with the operational expertise needed to drive real progress. She is exceptionally well positioned to help guide the continued growth and revitalization of San Francisco’s urban core.”

"I've worked with Sophie on everything from affordable housing to community development and arts advocacy," said Sunny Angulo, Executive Director of SF PROPEL. "She's a problem solver and someone who has a genuine love of public service and people. She will be a great ambassador for the city, but more importantly an active ally for community groups seeking to build a stronger SoMa."

Born and raised in San Francisco, Hayward began her career as an architectural conservator, leading historic preservation and restoration projects nationally and internationally. She holds a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University.

Hayward’s appointment is effective July 1, 2026. Her appointment follows the announcement of the retirement of Kenneth Bukowski, who has served as Convention Facilities Director since 2022.