The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has appointed Dr. Noel Hacegaba as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach.
The appointment takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Hacegaba currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. He will replace outgoing CEO Mario Cordero. The transition comes during a period of expansion at the port, which ranks as the second-busiest in the United States.
Mayor Rex Richardson said the port is entering a critical period focused on climate action, digital transformation, and infrastructure investment. He said Hacegaba’s experience will help advance zero-emission goals, improve competitiveness, and support local economic growth.
Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna praised Hacegaba’s leadership and operational expertise. He said the port will benefit from his strategic direction and ability to deliver results.
Outgoing CEO Mario Cordero said Hacegaba is well prepared to lead the port. He called him a trusted partner and said the port is in strong hands.
Hacegaba thanked the City of Long Beach and the Harbor Commission for their confidence. He said his priorities include strengthening the port’s role in global logistics, accelerating economic activity, and pushing forward zero-emission operations. He also thanked Cordero for his leadership.
As COO, Hacegaba manages daily port operations. His responsibilities include engineering, finance, environmental programs, planning, and strategic development.
Over the past 15 years, he has led major transactions at the port. These include the multibillion-dollar sales of Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals International.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the port’s Business Recovery Task Force. He worked closely with shipping lines, labor groups, and government agencies to keep cargo flowing.
After the crisis, he helped launch the Supply Chain Information Highway. The digital platform improves cargo visibility and data sharing across the U.S. freight network.
Hacegaba holds degrees from the University of Southern California in economics, business administration, and planning. He also earned a doctorate in public administration from the University of La Verne.
In 2025, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce awarded him the Stanley T. Olafson Award for leadership in international trade.
