Port of Long Beach gets new Executive Director
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners is expected to vote Friday, April 14 to name Mario Cordero, a former chairman and current member of the Federal Maritime Commission, as the Port of Long Beach’s new Executive Director. Cordero, a Long Beach resident and attorney, served previously as president and as a longtime member of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.
Cordero, via presidential appointment, has served on the Federal Maritime Commission since 2011, with a term set to expire in June 2019. He served as chairman from April 2013 until January 2017. While a Long Beach Harbor Commissioner from 2003 to 2011, Cordero helped to spearhead the Port’s pioneering Green Port Policy, formalized in 2005 and aimed at reconciling economic growth and environmental stewardship to achieve long-term, sustainable port development; he also served as President of the Harbor Commission from 2007 to 2008. Cordero has forged relationships with maritime representatives around the world, and he is poised to build consensus as new alliances change the face of the shipping industry.
Concurrent with his leadership positions at the Port of Long Beach, Cordero served on the Executive Board of the American Association of Port Authorities' Latin American delegation. In this role, he led efforts to develop policies for greater cooperation, increased trade, and joint growth across the combined North American and Latin American footprint.
Cordero has practiced law for more than 30 years and has taught political science at Long Beach City College. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, and his law degree from the University of Santa Clara.
The Harbor Commission made the decision on Cordero in an executive session following their regular April 10 board meeting. The Commission will confirm Cordero’s appointment at a special public meeting on April 14 at 5 p.m. Cordero will succeed Duane Kenagy, who has served as Interim Executive Director since late 2016. Cordero is expected to join the Port in May.
