Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero to retire

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Mario Cordero plans to retire at the end of the year.

“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 I’ll miss being in the center of the action for international trade, I know that I’m leaving the port in the very capable hands of our Board of Harbor Commissioners and the exemplary staff. It’s been a very rewarding experience and I have amassed wonderful memories that I will cherish forever.”

Cordero’s career includes seven years on the Federal Maritime Commission in Washington, D.C., eight years as a Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners member and eight and half years as Port of Long Beach CEO. As CEO, he led the port through the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of rapid cargo growth, and modernization efforts. He leads a staff of approximately 600 people.

Former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill appointed Cordero to the Board of Harbor Commissioners in 2003. Former Mayor Bob Foster re-appointed Cordero in 2009. While on the board, he serving as vice president and president and proposed the Green Port Policy, a commitment to the port’s environmental sustainability.