National executive search firm RSR Partners will lead the Port of Long Beach’s search for a successor to Executive Director Richard D. Steinke, who recently announced that he will be retiring.

RSR, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is one of the nation’s leading board and executive recruiting firms.

“The search for our next executive director is a top priority for the Board of Harbor Commissioners,” said Harbor Commission President Susan E. Anderson Wise ”With the help of RSR Partners, we will be recruiting from among the nation’s top candidates to find a new leader for our world class port.”

RSR Managing Director Jason Ward will be leading the Port’s search. Ward has more than two decades of industrial and international business experience, including assignments in the industrial and transportation markets, construction, intermodal logistics, import and export firms, and various supply chain businesses.

Steinke has agreed to stay on as Executive Director until a successor is named.