Hacegaba picked as next Port of Long Beach CEO

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners announced that at its Dec. 8, 2025, Board meeting, Commissioners will consider the appointment of longtime Port of Long Beach executive Dr. Noel Hacegaba as the Port’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Currently the Port’s Chief Operating Officer, Hacegaba succeeds Mario Cordero, who will step down at year’s end after leading “the Port through a period of record cargo growth, major modernization and the global pandemic.”

“Noel Hacegaba is the ideal choice to lead the Port of Long Beach,” said Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “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.”

Hacegaba had worked as Cordero’s right hand for several years and was the alternative public face of the Port of Long Beach. When outgoing Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero announced his retirement, Hacegaba was considered the front runner to succeed him.

The Harbor Trucking Association (HTA) responded by stating that it “is pleased to congratulate Dr. Noel Hacegaba on his selection as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, pending approval by the Board of Harbor Commissioners on December 8. His appointment is set to take effect January 1, 2026. “

In a recent interview with AJOT, Hacegaba had noted that despite the Trump administration’s cancellations of offshore wind and hydrogen fuel projects and its success pausing implementation of United Nation’s greenhouse gas reductions for shipping, he said the Port will persevere in pursuing green energy transitions.

At that time, Hacegaba made the following observations.

IMO Regulation Pause

On pausing the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization regulations for shipping to reduce greenhouse gases Hacegaba says, “There's no doubt that a global framework would help the shipping industry accelerate progress towards decarbonization. As that's on hold for now. The Port of Long Beach will continue to carry forward with our green shipping corridors in collaboration with the ports of Shanghai, Singapore and Los Angeles, with C40 cities and all of our industry partners to achieve low and zero carbon shipping.”

Green Bunkering

The possibility of developing green methanol bunkering for ships at the Port of Long Beach, Hacegaba notes, “As part of our green shipping corridor project with the Port of Shanghai, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles released an RFI request for information for methanol bunkering.”

Hydrogen Subsidies

While on the Trump administration’s cancellation of hydrogen fuel subsidies, “We just released in the last month an RFP for a potential hydrogen fueling station. And that's also an initiative that we're carrying forward to explore the market and potential partnerships with the private sector on how we can bring green hydrogen to our Port.”

Hacegaba Veteran Administrator at Long Beach

Hacegaba has served in senior management roles at the Port for 15 years, rising to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversees daily operations including commercial services, engineering, finance and administration, planning and environmental affairs, and strategic advocacy.

“The Port of Long Beach is entering a pivotal decade – one defined by bold climate action, digital transformation, and generational infrastructure investments,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “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. I support his appointment and look forward to working together to build the port of the future and strengthen Long Beach’s leadership on sustainability and innovation.”

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as CEO of the Port of Long Beach and excited to lead our stellar staff to strengthen the nation’s supply chain as we build the port of the future,” said Hacegaba. “I am looking forward to working with our Mayor, Harbor Commission and partners to accelerate our economic engine as we elevate the Port’s profile internationally by delivering world-class infrastructure and customer service and industry-leading sustainability programs.”

Hacegaba has negotiated several major business transactions including the multibillion-dollar sales of Long Beach Container Terminal and Total Terminals International and previously served as Managing Director of Commercial Operations and Chief Commercial Officer, guiding the Port through historic industry realignment and record cargo recovery following a major carrier bankruptcy.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Hacegaba holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics, business administration, and planning, and also earned a doctorate in public administration from the University of La Verne.

Hacegaba has authored several industry white papers and serves in leadership roles with national trade organizations, including the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, and the American Association of Port Authorities Professional Development Board. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Intermodal Association of North America.