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Hacebaga to Succeed Cordero as Long Beach CEO

[ December 8, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners were expected to select longtime Port of Long Beach executive Dr. Noel Hacegaba as the Port’s next CEO, effective Jan. 1.

Hacegaba, currently chief operating officer, would succeed Mario Cordero, who is stepping down at the year end, after leading the port through record cargo growth, major modernization and the global pandemic.

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

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said: “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.”

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.

In recent years, Hacegaba supported the CEO in the port’s response to the pandemic-era global supply chain disruptions, directing the Business Recovery Task Force and coordinating with industry, labor and government partners to keep cargo moving. He also spearheaded the port’s Supply Chain Information Highway, a digital platform designed to improve cargo visibility and data sharing across the national freight network.

In addition to his roles at the port, Hacegaba has also served as executive director of the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility Joint Powers Authority, which oversees a major near-dock rail operation that supports the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles.

Hacegaba serves in leadership roles with 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 Intermodal Association of North America.

Earlier this year, he received the Stanley T. Olafson Award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for exemplary leadership in advancing international trade.

Tags: Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, Port of Long Beach, Total Terminals North America