The Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously confirmed the appointment of Noel Hacegaba to lead the Port of Long Beach this week.
Hacegaba will official become the port’s CEO on Jan. 1.
The vote was taken during the Monday, Dec. 8, harbor commission meeting.
He will succeed departing CEO Mario Cordero, who earlier announced he would step down at the end of 2025.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, in a written statement, said Hacegaba will take the reins during a “pivotal decade, one defined by bold climate action, digital transformation, and generational infrastructure investments.”
Among the challenges will be the ongoing push to bring the port into zero-emissions operations while strengthening its global competitiveness, Richardson said.
The announcement of Hacegaba’s appointment came on Wednesday, Dec. 3, but still required the harbor commission to confirm the selection.
The appointment was not a surprise.
Hacegaba, currently the port’s chief operating officer, has worked as second-in-command with Cordero for years. Hacegaba has served in senior management roles at the port for 15 years, rising to COO, a role in which he oversees daily operations, including commercial services, engineering, finance and administration, planning and environmental affairs, and strategic advocacy.
Noel Hacegaba
“Noel Hacegaba is the ideal choice to lead the Port of Long Beach,” said harbor commission President Frank Colonna. “Noel brings extensive experience managing all key port functions, deep knowledge of the goods movement industry and a collaborative leadership style that will serve the port well as we navigate future challenges and opportunities.”
Cordero was named CEO by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners in 2017 and, during his tenure, led the port through a period of record cargo growth, major modernization and mass supply chain issues that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also vigorously pushed for a greener and cleaner operation in partnership with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles.
Hacegaba is expected to continue and move forward in those ongoing efforts.
“I know that I am leaving the port in very capable hands with Noel at the helm, following his many years as my right-hand man,” Cordero said. “Noel has the talent and collaborative approach to drive competitiveness and accelerate our zero-emissions goals during a period of tremendous growth at the oort.”