After more than a year and a half of vacancy, the Harbor Commission is expected to appoint a new interim deputy director for the Port of Long Beach at its meeting today.
Dr. Noel Hacegaba, the Executive Officer of the Board, was chosen to serve in the position temporarily while a nationwide search continues for a long-term candidate to fill this key role. Hacegaba will be voted in at the same time as Al Moro, who was recently selected to become the Port’s interim executive director.
Both will begin their positions in mid-July when current Executive Director Chris Lytle leaves to become Executive Director at the Port of Oakland.
“Noel has done an exemplary job as Executive Officer and we are confident he will provide outstanding support to Al Moro during the next several months,” said Board President Susan Anderson Wise. “Noel will be working closely with Al and the rest of the senior management team to guide the Port through the projects and initiatives that are underway.”
The deputy director position has been vacant since January 2012 when its former occupant, Chris Lytle, was promoted to executive director. This number-two management position serves as a chief operating officer and is responsible for supporting the executive director in the planning, organizing, directing and managing of the Port’s daily operations.
Hacegaba has been the Board Executive Officer since 2010, meaning he manages the day-to-day functions of the Harbor Commission. He is a graduate of USC–where he earned degrees in economics, business administration and urban planning–as well as the University of La Verne, where he continues to serve on faculty.
Prior to working at the Port, Hacegaba was employed with a large environmental services company and is the former assistant chief of staff for the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office.
Neither Moro nor Hacegaba will be considered candidates for the executive director position.
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