The Port of Long Beach’s selection of Kerry Gerot, who is currently the public affairs officer for the Long Beach City Manager’s Office, to lead its Communications and Community Relations Division was approved yesterday by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, port officials announced today.

As director, Gerot will oversee media relations, crisis communications, community engagement and educational outreach at the Harbor Department, according to a release from the POLB.

“The Communications Division works with all divisions of the Harbor Department to disseminate information to the public, media and industry stakeholders about the Port’s role in facilitating domestic and international trade as the second-busiest seaport in the nation,” the release stated.

The port’s previous communications director was Michael Gold who left last fall and is currently with Long Beach Transit in a similar capacity.

Gerot has been the public affairs officer for the city manager’s office for almost three years. Prior to that, she served in a similar capacity at the Long Beach Airport and held a variety of other positions in the entertainment, music and publishing fields.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in professional writing—both from USC.

Her appointment is effective August 19.

Photo courtesy of POLB.