The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners appointed Noel Hacegaba as the Port of Long Beach’s next CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2026, according to a Dec. 8 emailed press release. The board, which oversees port policy, unanimously confirmed Hacegaba as the new leader at a meeting on Monday.
Hacegaba will succeed current CEO Mario Cordero who is retiring at the end of the year, per the release. He has held several senior management positions at the port over the last 15 years, including his current role as COO, where he oversees daily operations, such as commercial services, planning and environmental affairs.
“Noel Hacegaba is the ideal choice to lead the Port of Long Beach,” Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna said in a Dec. 3 press release ahead of the meeting. “Noel brings extensive experience managing all key Port functions, deep knowledge of the goods movement industry and a collaborative leadership style that will serve the Port well as we navigate future challenges and opportunities.”
During his time at the port, Hacegaba negotiated several business transactions, including the sales of Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals International, per the release. He also helped the port navigate industry realignment and cargo recovery after COVID-19-driven supply chain disruptions.
Hacegaba is also credited as spearheading the Port of Long Beach’s Supply Chain Information Highway, which is a digital platform aiming to sharpen cargo visibility and data sharing across the national freight network, per the release.
Hacegaba also served as executive director of the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility Joint Powers Authority, which oversees the near-dock rail operation that supports the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles, per the Dec. 3 release.
“Dr. Hacegaba is well-positioned to guide this next chapter as we accelerate toward zero-emission operations, expand our global competitiveness, and continue driving economic opportunity for our community,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said ahead of the meeting.
