Bits 'n' Pieces

Port CEO to Retire

Longtime Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero – who led the port through an era of rapid cargo growth, a global pandemic and major modernization – announced last week he will retire at the end of 2025, capping a varied career that included an 8½-year run as port CEO, seven years on the Federal Maritime Commission in Washington, D.C. and eight years as a member of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.

Known for bold and industry-leading stances promoting environmental sustainability and boosting market competitiveness, as well as his tireless and optimistic outlook, Cordero has also become a noted thought leader in international trade in great demand for speaking engagements, media interviews and service on public boards of directors.

As CEO of the POLB, reporting to the five-member Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, Cordero leads a staff of about 600 professionals who improve, market and secure one-half of the nation’s largest trade gateway. In addition to his port industry career accomplishments, he is an attorney and educator.

Cordero in May 2017 said he was blessed to have landed a “dream job” when he was selected as the new chief executive of the Port of Long Beach, returning to Long Beach after his stint as an appointee of President Barack Obama to the body that oversees the nation’s maritime policy. His time on the FMC beginning in 2011 included four years as chairman.

He steps down at the end of a yearlong celebration marking two decades of the port’s environmental progress – “20 Years of Leading Green” – achieved in parallel with growth of the port’s economic benefits, such as 2.7 million jobs nationwide today tied to trade moving through Long Beach. The 20 years being commemorated started with the Green Port Policy proposed by then-Commissioner Cordero circa 2005.

“I could not be more grateful for what has been the opportunity of a lifetime to lead the Port of Long Beach over these past several years. While I’ll miss being in the center of the action for international trade, I know that I’m leaving the port in the very capable hands of our Board of Harbor Commissioners and the exemplary staff,” said Cordero. “It’s been a very rewarding experience, and I have amassed wonderful memories that I will cherish forever.”

“It’s been an honor to work with Mario. His vision, experience and enthusiasm have served him – and the Port – very well during his time as CEO. His calm and reassuring manner was a great source of strength for the workforce, industry and community before, during and after the global pandemic,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “He will be missed at the port, but I’m very happy for him to soon begin enjoying his well-deserved retirement.”

He was appointed to the Board of Harbor Commissioners in 2003 by then-Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill and reappointed in 2009 by then-Mayor Bob Foster, serving as both president and vice president of the board during his tenure. It was during his time on the Harbor Commission that he proposed the Green Port Policy, a commitment by the port to environmental sustainability that was ratified in 2005.

The action was a turning point for the port, which committed to considering the environment in all of its decisions going forward – leading to dramatically cleaner air, healthier harbors and today’s goal of seeking zero-emissions operations.

The Board of Harbor Commissioners will determine a process for replacing Cordero in the months ahead.

New LGB Security Lane

The going is getting even easier at Long Beach Airport (LGB), where the addition of a new security screening lane and a more efficient security queue layout are improving passenger flow and reducing wait times.

The number of security screening lanes operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Long Beach Airport has now increased from five to six. In addition to the new lane, the security queue was reconfigured so passengers no longer pass in front of the ticketing lobby. The new layout, designed in partnership with TSA, will help streamline the screening process and ease congestion during the busiest morning departures and peak travel seasons.

“This additional screening lane will further streamline operations and improve efficiency for all passengers departing from Long Beach,” TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages said. “Along with this year’s successful implementation of the REAL ID requirement and TSA’s new shoes-on policy for standard passengers, we are committed to delivering a first-class travel experience while upholding the highest security standards.”

In addition to the new lane and layout, passengers can take advantage of other time-saving amenities at LGB, including TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Because travelers’ time is valuable, LGB will continue investing in ways to make the Airport experience faster, smoother and more enjoyable.

“We are constantly looking to enhance the already award-winning passenger experience at Long Beach Airport,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “This improvement helps our passengers get to their gate, and ultimately their destination, even faster.”

Well-timed ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this latest enhancement at Long Beach Airport follows the recent completion of the Terminal Roadway Improvement Project, which improved vehicular and passenger flow while also adding several accessibility features. Both projects complement the airport’s $125 million Phase ll – Terminal Area Improvements Program to make travel at LGB even smoother from curb to gate.

New Jewish LB CEO

Jewish Long Beach Board of Directors has hired Erik Ludwig, PhD, as their new Chief Executive Officer. Ludwig’s appointment marks a new chapter for Jewish Long Beach as the organization builds upon its transformation into a single, cohesive institution serving the Jewish community across generations.

With more than two decades of experience as a nonprofit executive, Ludwig is a visionary, entrepreneurial leader recognized for guiding organizations through growth, change and renewal. He brings deep expertise in development, strategic planning, program innovation and community engagement.

Ludwig most recently served as president & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Orange County, where he led a period of revitalization and expansion. He previously held leadership roles as director of the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College and as Chief Operating Officer of UpStart, the Jewish innovation incubator. Erik began his career in Jewish Community Centers, where he discovered his enduring passion for strengthening Jewish life and building community.

“Long Beach has been home for our family for the past decade, which makes it a special honor to join Jewish Long Beach as its CEO,” said Ludwig. “This season in the Jewish calendar calls on us to reflect and embrace new beginnings, and I am excited to work in partnership with our board, professional team, and entire community. Together, we can dream, innovate, and nurture a Jewish renaissance – one that honors our traditions, strengthens our connections, and builds a vibrant, enduring future for Jewish life here in Long Beach, in Israel, and around the world.”

The board shared in an announcement, “Today we stand on solid ground. We are strategically focused, mission-driven, financially strong. We are one powerful engine for program integration, leadership development, community engagement, fundraising and philanthropic stewardship. One team. One vision. One future.”

Ludwig will officially begin his new role in November, with Interim CEO Mark Rothman continuing to guide the organization during the transition period.