Long Beach CEO to Lead CAPA: 3 Million US Jobs at Stake

LONG BEACH, CA – Dr. Noel Hacegaba, the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, has been elected as the new president of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA). This key appointment places a seasoned operational leader at the helm of an organization representing 11 deep-water ports that are collectively linked to over 3 million jobs across the United States.

Main Body:

The California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) announced its members have elected Dr. Noel Hacegaba to serve as the organization’s next president. Hacegaba, who currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Port of Long Beach, will succeed Kristine Zortman, the executive director of the Port of Redwood City. This leadership transition comes as Hacegaba prepares to take on the role of CEO at the Port of Long Beach on January 1, 2026, where he will succeed the departing Mario Cordero. As CAPA president, Hacegaba will advocate for the interests of California’s 11 public deep-water commercial ports, which are a critical gateway for the nation’s containerized imports and exports.

Dr. Hacegaba brings a comprehensive operational background to his new leadership position at CAPA. In his current capacity as COO at the Port of Long Beach, he oversees a wide array of daily functions crucial to port management and fluidity. His portfolio includes commercial services, engineering, finance and administration, planning and environmental affairs, and strategic advocacy. This extensive experience provides him with a deep understanding of the complex interplay between trade, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and government relations that defines the modern maritime industry.

The strategic importance of CAPA cannot be overstated. The association’s member ports are a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, handling a significant portion of all containerized cargo and serving as a vital link in the global supply chain. Trade flowing through these ports supports more than one million jobs within California and three million jobs nationally. CAPA also plays a crucial regulatory role, maintaining agreements with the Federal Maritime Commission on behalf of its members, ensuring a unified and powerful voice for California’s maritime trade interests on the national stage.

Key Takeaways

• Unified Leadership: Dr. Noel Hacegaba’s election brings leadership from one of the nation’s busiest ports to the forefront of California’s collective maritime strategy.
• Economic Engine: The appointment underscores the immense economic role of CAPA’s 11 ports, which are directly tied to 3 million U.S. jobs and the health of the national supply chain.
• Operational Expertise: With a background overseeing everything from finance and engineering to environmental affairs, Hacegaba is well-equipped to guide the ports through challenges of decarbonization, digitalization, and infrastructure modernization.

Editor’s Analysis

This leadership change at CAPA is a significant development for the North American rail freight sector. The efficiency, policy, and strategic direction of California’s ports—particularly the San Pedro Bay complex of Long Beach and Los Angeles—directly dictate the volume and velocity of intermodal cargo flowing onto Class I railroad networks. Dr. Hacegaba’s presidency will be closely watched by rail operators and logistics partners, as his policies on port digitalization, dwell time reduction, and on-dock rail expansion will have a direct and material impact on transcontinental supply chain fluidity, carrier performance, and railroad revenues for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new president of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA)?

Dr. Noel Hacegaba, the current Chief Operating Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, has been elected as the new president of CAPA.

What is the economic significance of CAPA’s member ports?

CAPA represents California’s 11 public, deep-water ports. Trade through these ports is linked to over 1 million jobs in California and 3 million jobs across the United States, making them a critical component of the national economy.

When will Noel Hacegaba become CEO of the Port of Long Beach?

He is scheduled to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach on January 1, 2026.