The Port of Los Angeles is delighted to declare the appointment of Chris Brown as the chief harbour engineer, taking on the pivotal role of overseeing the Port’s Engineering Division.
Brown steps into this position following the recent promotion of Dina Aryan-Zahlan to deputy executive director of Development at the busiest port in America.
As chief harbour engineer, Brown will spearhead the planning, development, and design initiatives for the infrastructure and facilities essential to supporting the multifaceted operations of the nation’s most bustling seaport. This includes the strategic oversight of wharves, terminals, rail systems, roadways, and public spaces.
“Chris has been a pivotal player in many Port infrastructure projects over the last two decades, including the award-winning Wilmington Waterfront Park and the current Port-wide electrification program,” stated Aryan-Zahlan, deputy executive director of development at Port of Los Angeles.
Aryan-Zahlan added, “This promotion recognizes all his hard work, dedication and contributions to these critical infrastructure programs. We are excited and proud to see him take on this important leadership role.”
Brown was most recently the Assistant chief harbour engineer in charge of division sections dealing with structural, specifications, architectural, and electrical aspects of Port infrastructure projects.
Before that, he was the harbour engineer in charge of structural, specifications, right of way, technology, and CADD division sections. From 2000 to 2015, he worked on a variety of projects as a section head, program manager, and designer, most notably as project manager for the Wilmington Waterfront Park, which received the Engineering News Record’s “Best of the Best Award” in 2012.
Brown began his work at the Port in 1993 as a student engineer. He returned to the Port of Los Angeles after a four-year stint with Holmes & Narver (now AECOM) and gradually expanded his career.
Having earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California and his master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Maryland, Brown is well-equipped with academic prowess.
Beyond being a registered civil engineer in California, he holds the esteemed title of a certified construction documents technologist, a designation bestowed by the Construction Specification Institute, where he actively contributes as a board member. Furthermore, Brown holds a senior certified professional status with the Society for Human Resource Management, showcasing his multifaceted expertise.