The Port of Long Beach (POLB) Managing Director of Communications Noelia Rodríguez recently departed her position at the port, the POLB announced yesterday, just a few months after the resignation of former CEO Jon Slangerup. Rodríguez was the highest ranking female executive at the port prior to her departure.
Rodríguez was recruited by Slangerup to oversee the port’s communications and government relations functions in 2015.
“I wish to thank the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the opportunity to lead the Communications Bureau and to work with them and a dedicated team of executives and staff,” said Rodríguez in a statement. “From increasing social media outreach and community sponsorships to helping create the new Global Logistics Academy at Cabrillo High School, the Port has done more in the community than ever before. I am proud of the work my team has done to support the Commission’s vision of making Long Beach the Green Port of the Future.”
Slangerup announced his resignation, effective October 28, in early September, after being hired as CEO of “a leading aviation technology company.” During his time at the POLB, he was known for his upbeat energy and composure in the midst of the 2015 congestion that impacted the San Pedro Bay port complex and the national goods movement network, making national headlines.
Previously, Rodríguez worked as director of communications and press secretary to First Lady Laura Bush from 2001 to 2003, as the director of the John F. Kennedy forum at Harvard University, vice president of corporate communications at Univision and deputy mayor under former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.
In 2000, Rodríguez was appointed by Riordan to lead the LA 2000 host committee as president and CEO for the first Democratic National Convention to be held in Los Angeles since 1960, when President Kennedy earned the Democratic nomination.
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As the Metro chief communications officer, Rodríguez oversaw 275 employees and managed a $50 million budget overseeing media relations, marketing, communications and community relations.
Rodríguez holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
“We were fortunate to have Noelia with us as her knowledge and experience helped guide her staff and the Port through a historic period of change and growth,” said Port of Long Beach Interim Chief Executive Duane Kenagy in a statement. “We thank her and look forward to her continued success and professional achievements.”
In response to the Post’s requests for additional information regarding Rodríguez’s next steps, port spokesman Lee Peterson said there was “no further information at this time.”
This report was updated on 12/16/16 at 12:40PM with additional information regarding Rodríguez’s status at the port as the highest ranking official, and the nature of her departure (a prior version of this article erroneously stated she had resigned).