Noel Hacegaba, a longtime top executive at the Port of Long Beach, will succeed retiring CEO Mario Cordero, the port announced this week.
The Long Beach harbor commission will vote on whether to confirm Hacegaba’s appointment on Monday, Dec. 8.
The announcement came late on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Hacegaba, currently the port’s chief operating officer, would take the reins as chief executive officer on Jan. 1. Cordero announced in October that he would step down at the end of this year.
“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.”
The selection was not a surprise. Hacegaba has worked alongside Cordero for the past several years as the CEO’s second-in-command.
Cordero, during his tenure, has 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 worked to ensure that operations at POLB — which, along with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, is the busiest port complex in the nation — became greener and cleaner.
Hacegaba, meanwhile, 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.
“The Port of Long Beach is entering a pivotal decade – one defined by bold climate action, digital transformation and generational infrastructure investments,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Dr. Hacegaba is well-positioned to guide this next chapter as we accelerate toward zero-emission operations, expand our global competitiveness and continue driving economic opportunity for our community. I support his appointment and look forward to working together to build the port of the future and strengthen Long Beach’s leadership on sustainability and innovation.”
Hacegaba, for his part, said he was honored to be tapped to succeed Cordero, adding he is excited to continue working to “strengthen the nation’s supply chain as we build the port of the future.
“I am looking forward to working with our mayor, harbor commission and partners to accelerate our economic engine,” he said, “as we elevate the port’s profile internationally by delivering world-class infrastructure and customer service and industry-leading sustainability programs.”
Hacegaba has negotiated several major business transactions for the port, including the multibillion-dollar sales of the Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals International. He previously served as managing director of commercial operations and chief commercial officer, guiding the port through historic industry realignment and record cargo recovery following a major carrier bankruptcy.
In recent years, Hacegaba supported Cordero in the port’s response to the pandemic-era global supply chain disruptions, directing the Business Recovery Task Force, and coordinating with industry, labor and government partners to keep cargo moving. He also spearheaded the port’s Supply Chain Information Highway, a digital platform designed to improve cargo visibility and data sharing across the national freight network.
Besides his roles at the port, Hacegaba has also served as executive director of the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility Joint Powers Authority, which oversees a major near-dock rail operation that supports the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Hacegaba is a USC graduate, holding undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics, business administration and planning. He also earned a doctorate in public administration from the University of La Verne.
Hacegaba has authored several industry white papers and serves in leadership roles with national trade organizations, including the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, and the American Association of Port Authorities Professional Development Board. Previously, he served as chair of the Board of Directors for the Intermodal Association of North America.
And earlier this year, Hacegaba received the prestigious Stanley T. Olafson Award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for his exemplary leadership in advancing international trade.