The Port of Long Beach has chosen Dr. Noel Hacegaba, a seasoned executive with extensive operational experience, to lead the country's second-busiest container port. He will guide the port through a crucial decade of infrastructure development and environmental changes.
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners plans to discuss Hacegaba's appointment during their meeting on December 8, with the transition set to begin on January 1, 2026. Currently, Hacegaba is serving as the Chief Operating Officer and will take over from Mario Cordero, who is stepping down after successfully helping the port manage record cargo volumes, major modernization efforts, and the challenges of the global pandemic.
Hacegaba has 15 years of senior management experience at the Port, where he has managed essential operations such as commercial services, engineering, finance, planning, and environmental affairs. His time at the port includes significant negotiations, including the multibillion-dollar sales of Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals International.
“Noel Hacegaba is the perfect choice to lead the Port of Long Beach,” said Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “He has extensive experience managing all key port operations, a deep understanding of the goods movement industry, and a collaborative leadership style that will benefit the port as we face future challenges and opportunities.”
This appointment comes as the Port faces what Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson describes as “a pivotal decade,” marked by ambitious climate goals, digital innovation, and major infrastructure investments. “Dr. Hacegaba is in an excellent position to lead this new phase as we move towards zero-emission operations and enhance our global competitiveness while providing economic opportunities for our community,” Richardson said.
During the supply chain crisis caused by the pandemic, Hacegaba played a key role in the Port's response. He led the Business Recovery Task Force and collaborated with industry, labor, and government partners to keep cargo moving. He also spearheaded the creation of the Supply Chain Information Highway, a digital platform designed to improve cargo visibility and data sharing across the national freight network.
Outside of Long Beach, Hacegaba has been the Executive Director of the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility Joint Powers Authority, which manages a significant near-dock rail operation that supports both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. He has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics, business administration, and planning from the University of Southern California, along with a doctorate in public administration from the University of La Verne.
In 2025, he received the Stanley T. Olafson Award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for his leadership in promoting international trade.
“I am honored and thankful for the chance to serve as CEO of the Port of Long Beach,” said Hacegaba. “I am excited to lead our terrific team in strengthening the nation’s supply chain while building the port of the future. I look forward to collaborating with our Mayor, Harbor Commission, and partners to boost our economic engine and elevate the Port’s international profile through top-notch infrastructure, customer service, and sustainability initiatives.”
The Port of Long Beach handles trade valued at over $300 billion each year and supports 2.7 million jobs across the U.S., including 691,000 in Southern California. In the next ten years, the Port plans to invest $3.2 billion in capital improvements to enhance its capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability.