INDUSTRY BRIEFS Leadership update powers POLB’s vision T he Port of Long Beach is poised to strengthen its performance and resilience by introducing
with new options to turn the field of play into nothing short of a world of amazing possibilities,” Hacegaba said. “You don’t always know what you are going to face in this industry. It’s important that we give this team every chance to win, and that’s what we’re doing here.” Recently the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the creation of a new bureau, Organizational Effectiveness, and Hacegaba has named Khristina Jason, the Port’s current Director of Human Resources, to head up the new bureau. The move takes two Port divisions which had reported directly to the CEO – Human Resources and Central Procurement Services — and places them in a bureau. As Managing Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Jason will report directly to Hacegaba and will lead groundbreaking new initia- tives aimed at developing the Port’s own workforce of 600 teammates, as well as building even stronger connections to the business community – especially small businesses – by providing new ways for area businesses to engage with Port contracting opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Board of Harbor Commissioners on Monday is sched- uled to consider the appointment of a Chief Administrative Officer. This newly created position will report to Hacegaba and oversee four of the Port’s six bureaus — Commercial Services, Engineering Services, Finance & Administration and Planning & Environmental Affairs. Current Port of Long Beach Managing Director of Commercial Services Casey Hehr will be considered for promotion to the CAO position. The Strategic Advocacy Bureau, led by Managing Director Eleanor Torres, will continue to report to Hacegaba and assist him in managing the Port’s strategic partnerships. Hacegaba, who became Port CEO on Jan. 1, said he relies on the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners to continue to provide the excellent and wise oversight that will enable Hacegaba and his leadership team to execute the Port’s 2050 Vision for doubling cargo volume while building the Port of the Future. “We appreciate our CEO for work- ing closely with the Board, and keep- ing us well informed on all plans and proposals. His attention helps us to do our job, which is to advise him and make the best decisions for the Port,” said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Frank Colonna. “Noel has already done a remarkable job of col- laborating and executing to build a winning culture, and we look forward to building on that relationship.” This is a completely new level of structural enhancement, which goes beyond the standard reorganizations that many groups or agencies rely upon to revitalize their operations. These are improvements to what has long been a well-oiled and successful department within the City of Long Beach.
innovative improvements to its leader- ship structure that will capitalize on existing strengths and strategically tar- get new opportunities for excellence. “These enhancements to the leader- ship structure will provide immedi- ate and lasting benefits to the Port of Long Beach team and are designed to improve communication, collabora- tion and decision-making,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We will be able to act faster and more effectively and deliver world-class cus- tomer service to our customers, part- ners and community members as we build the Port of the Future guided by our 2050 Vision.” The plan elevates two executives to new positions and makes key changes to the management chain that will give the Port team new tools to ensure strong adherence to optimal leader- ship practices while also providing new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. “With this new structure, we are lev- eling up our game, calling a play that will provide our high-performing team
Khristina Jason and Casey Hehr
8 — PACIFIC PORTS — March 2026
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