Jan 26, 2026
Mario Cordero, the longtime CEO of the Port of Long Beach, plans to retire at the end of 2025, according to an announcement from his office reported by The Maritime Executive. Cordero has led the port for more than eight years, a period that included the COVID-19 era when container volumes first collapsed and then rebounded to record levels, straining America’s gateway ports.
“His calm and reassuring manner was a great source of strength for the workforce, industry and community before, during and after the global pandemic,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “He will be missed at the port, but Im very happy for him to soon begin enjoying his well-deserved retirement.”
Cordero, who was born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents and was the first in his family to attend college, practiced law for three decades. He was appointed to the port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners in 2003, serving two terms. Early in his tenure, he proposed the port’s Green Ports Policy, a commitment to environmental protection adopted in 2005. Since its enactment, the port has cut all three major health-related pollutant categories: NOx, SOx, and PM.
In 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Cordero to the Federal Maritime Commission, where he served as chairman from 2013 to 2017, until the first Trump administration. He returned to Long Beach that year to become the port’s CEO at the request of the harbor commission board.
“He has guided one of the worlds busiest seaports through unprecedented times with vision and steady leadership, always keeping people and community at the center,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Mario is a true Long Beach public servant, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
The board of harbor commissioners is considering its options for a new CEO and expects the process to take months.
“I could not be more grateful for what has been the opportunity of a lifetime to lead the Port of Long Beach over these past several years,” Cordero said. “While Ill miss being in the center of the action for international trade, I know that Im leaving the Port in the very capable hands of our Board of Harbor Commissioners and the exemplary staff.”