Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia announced two nominations today for the Harbor Commission: Bobby Olvera, Jr. and Sharon Weissman.

Robert (Bobby) Olvera, Jr. is the international vice president (mainland) of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Olvera began his 30-year history with the ILWU in 1989 as a third-generation longshoreman and has held several leadership roles within the organization during this time.

His career as a Local 13 officer included terms as a Chief Dispatcher, Business Agent, three terms as Local 13’s vice president, and three terms as Local 13’s president. In 1991 Bobby took a leave of absence from the industry and enlisted in the U.S. Marines.

“We applaud Mayor Garcia’s appointment of Bobby Olvera, Jr. to the Board of Harbor Commissioners overseeing the Port of Long Beach, one of our nation’s major gateways for cargo throughput. On behalf of the 14,000 full- and part-time dock workers, which include Longshoremen, Marine Clerks, and Foremen, we are confident that Bobby, a longtime resident and an experienced leader in labor relations will be a perfect fit for the Port of Long Beach,” said Ramon Ponce de Leon, Local 13 President; Mike Podue, Local 63 President; and Daniel G. Miranda, 94 President in a joint statement.

Sharon Weissman has been involved in public service within Long Beach for 45 years.

She currently serves as senior advisor and transportation deputy to Garcia, but recently announced her intention to retire at the end of June.

Weissman has worked on policy issues involving state transportation policy, regional transportation planning, goods movement, rail lines, improvements to the 710 Freeway and sustainability. She has also served as chief of staff to California state Sen. Jenny Oropeza and is currently the president of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation.

“I don’t think there’s a better choice for the Harbor Commission than Sharon. She has a long record of community service in our city having served on a number of community boards, including as the current President of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. Sharon is smart, understands transportation policy, is an excellent leader and has been a valuable advisor to our international Sister City programs,” Carmen O. Perez, former Long Beach Harbor Commissioner, said in a written statement.

After the nominations are heard by the Personnel and Civil Service Committee on May 11, they will be referred to the full council for consideration at its next scheduled meeting.

There is one current vacancy on the Harbor Commission, and a second seat on the commission will be open on July 1. The five-member board sets policy for the Port of Long Beach and oversees the staff of the City of Long Beach Harbor Department.