The Port of Long Beach plans to appoint Dr. Noel Hacegaba as its next Chief Executive Officer. The Harbor Commission will consider the appointment on December 8. His term would begin on January 1, 2026.
Hacegaba currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. He will replace Mario Cordero, who steps down at year-end after leading the port through record cargo growth and the pandemic.
Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna called Hacegaba the right leader for the port’s future. He cited extensive industry experience and a collaborative management style.
Mayor Rex Richardson endorsed the appointment. He said the port faces a decisive decade. He pointed to climate action, digital change, and major infrastructure investment.
Hacegaba has spent 15 years in senior roles at the port. As COO, he runs daily operations. These include commercial services, finance, engineering, planning, and environmental programs.
He led several major transactions. They include the sales of Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals International. He also guided the port through a major shipping collapse and the subsequent cargo recovery.
During the pandemic, Hacegaba directed the port’s Business Recovery Task Force. He worked with labor, industry, and government partners. He also launched the Supply Chain Information Highway to improve cargo visibility nationwide.
Also, he serves as Executive Director of the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility. The rail hub supports both the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Hacegaba holds degrees from the University of Southern California. He earned his doctorate from the University of La Verne. He also serves on national trade boards and has authored industry papers.
In 2025, he received the Stanley T. Olafson Award for leadership in international trade.
The Port of Long Beach handles more than $300 billion in cargo each year. It supports 2.7 million U.S. jobs. The port will invest $3.2 billion over the next decade to expand capacity and cut emissions.
