Lori Ann Guzmán will not seek reappointment as a member of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners due to her new responsibilities as city manager of the City of Costa Mesa. Guzmán, who is nearing the end of her first term as a harbor commissioner, has served since December 2013, including two years as president and two as secretary.
As the city manager of one of the largest cities in Orange County, Guzmán said her new position requires an extensive time commitment. Guzmán added that the Port is best served by a commissioner who can devote sufficient time to the organization’s numerous initiatives.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the Port of Long Beach for the past nearly six years, and I’ll look back with pride on the amazing progress we’ve made,” noted Commissioner Guzmán. “We’ve been through one of the Port’s most challenging periods, and I feel strongly that this organization is well-positioned to thrive in an industry that is dramatically changing. Although I’d love to continue my service to the Port, my new position requires my undivided time and attention.”
Guzmán’s successor on the Board will be nominated by Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and confirmed by the Long Beach City Council. At this time, no schedule has been announced. Guzmán will continue to serve as a Commissioner until her successor is appointed and assumes office, as outlined in the City Charter.
“Lori Ann has been a true partner, and the entire Long Beach community is stronger for her commitment to the Port,” said Mayor Garcia. “Although we’re losing a valued member of the Board of Harbor Commissioners, Costa Mesa is gaining a proven leader and I’m confident she will continue her service to our community in the years ahead.”
Guzmán previously served as assistant city manager for the City of Huntington Beach and chief financial officer for the City of Long Beach. She is just the fifth woman in the Port’s 108-year history appointed to serve on the Board and has recently been part of a four-fifths female majority, which is unprecedented in the industry.
Guzmán also led efforts to improve the Port’s community sponsorship program and served as Board president when the landmark $46 million Community Grants Program was adopted by the Board. Guzmán’s contributions to the Board’s leadership and oversight on the Port’s new 11-story Administration Building, a major component of the City’s iconic new Civic Center complex, helped ensure the project came in on time and within budget.
“Lori Ann has served this Port exceedingly well during her time on the Board of Harbor Commissioners,” said Commission President Tracy Egoscue. “She’s been a leader in strategic planning and finance for the Port and has positioned us to lead in the goods movement industry for decades to come, and fostered changes in the Port organization that will help us better reflect the community we serve.”
During Commissioner Guzmán’s tenure on the Board, the Port made tremendous progress on several significant infrastructure projects, including replacement of the Gerald Desmond Bridge, development of the new Long Beach Container Terminal, and expansion of on-dock rail. Her service during a very challenging period helped the Port thrive despite the bankruptcy of a major overseas carrier, severe congestion problems, and uncertainty about the effect of trade policies on Port revenues.
“Commissioner Guzmán’s service on the Board of Harbor Commissioners has been immensely productive, and it’s been a pleasure to work with her in my current position at the Port and in my previous role with the Federal Maritime Commission,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “I’ll miss her leadership here in Long Beach, and I wish her great success in Costa Mesa. We thank her for her service.”
