Outgoing Harbor Commission President James C. Hankla received recognition and commendations from the City of Long Beach, elected officials and numerous civic, community and maritime industry leaders as he prepared to retire after three decades of high-level public service.
Hankla has served on the Commission since 2003. In that time, the Port has undertaken groundbreaking initiatives such as the Green Port Policy, the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, the Clean Trucks Program and many others to reduce the Port’s environmental impacts while maintaining its economic competitiveness.
“Under your leadership the Port of Long Beach has been a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship,” said Long Beach Vice Mayor Val Lerch, who presented a proclamation on behalf of the City. “Through hard work and tremendous dedication, Jim Hankla has enhanced economic vitality in Southern California region while exemplifying the spirit of public service in Los Angeles County.”
Hankla, a former Long Beach City Manager, has served on the Harbor Commission since 2003 and decided not to seek a second term. Before joining the Commission, Hankla was CEO of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority for five years, overseeing construction of the $2.4 billion Alameda Corridor. Prior to that, he was city manager of Long Beach for 11 years. Overall, he has served as a top-level local public official for the last three decades.
“It’s been an utter pleasure for me,” Hankla said of his six years on the Board. “I’ll do other things, but none bigger or better than this.”
Joining Lerch in recognizing Hankla’s career of public service and leadership were representatives of state and federal elected officials, the Alameda Corridor, the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, FuturePorts, the Long Beach Rowing Association and others.
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