The Port of Long Beach has tapped longtime executive Dr. Noel Hacegaba to become its next Chief Executive Officer as the gateway enters a pivotal decade of infrastructure expansion and environmental transition. Pending Harbor Commission approval on December 8, Hacegaba will assume the role on January 1, 2026, succeeding Mario Cordero, who led the port through record cargo growth, major modernization projects, and the pandemic. Currently Chief Operating Officer, Hacegaba brings 15 years of senior leadership overseeing commercial services, engineering, finance, planning, and environmental affairs, including multibillion-dollar terminal transactions and development of the Supply Chain Information Highway digital platform. City and port leaders say his appointment positions Long Beach to accelerate zero-emission operations, digitalization, and $3.2 billion in planned capital improvements while sustaining its role as a $300 billion trade gateway supporting 2.7 million U.S. jobs. Hacegaba, who also leads the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility Joint Powers Authority and holds advanced degrees in economics, business, planning, and public administration, has been widely recognized for his contributions to international trade and supply chain resilience.