The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners announced today they will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, to consider the appointment of Duane Kenagy, P.E. as the Port of Long Beach’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. Kenagy currently serves as the Port’s Capital Programs Executive, overseeing nearly $4.5 billion in construction and improvement projects, the largest infrastructure investment of any port in the nation. “The Board is extremely pleased to have Duane Kenagy serve as our Interim CEO. He is highly respected by all of the Commissioners, very well regarded in our industry, and well-liked by the Port staff. Duane will lead the Port of Long Beach on a steady path forward as the search begins for a permanent Chief Executive,” said Lori Ann Guzmán, President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners.
as the Port of Long Beach’s Interim Chief Executive Officer
Duane Kenagy, P.E. - Port of Long Beach’s Interim Chief Executive Officer
Kenagy joined the Port in 2014 and has more than 35 years of engineering and design project management experience in the U.S. and overseas. He oversees the replacement of the aging Gerald Desmond Bridge and the redevelopment of the Middle Harbor Container Terminal, each budgeted at nearly $1.5 billion. Another $1 billion is budgeted for rail improvements to increase the movement of goods via rail. Prior to joining the Port, Kenagy worked for Moffatt & Nichol, a premier engineering consulting firm operating in 35 offices in 7 countries, and was a key player in the Alameda Corridor rail project. “I’m looking forward to working with the Board of Harbor Commissioners, our tenants and customers, and the talented team here at the Port of Long Beach to continue our strong tradition of service and innovation,” Kenagy stated. “I am fully committed to helping this great organization transition to the new Chief Executive at the conclusion of the Board’s search.” Kenagy and the Commission stated he would not be a candidate for permanent appointment as Chief Executive. His salary is proposed at $275,000 with duties to begin next week. The Board of Harbor Commissioners will issue a Request For Proposals this week to select a firm to conduct an international search for its next Chief Executive. “We are committed to carrying out a thorough, professional, and transparent global search for our next CEO,” said Guzmán. On Sept. 8, Chief Executive Officer Jon Slangerup, announced he is leaving the Port to become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of an aviation technology company based in Canada. Slangerup led the Port through significant congestion challenges to record-setting cargo numbers and brought several innovative initiatives and projects to Long Beach. “Jon Slangerup leaves behind a legacy that has positioned us very well for the future,” said Guzmán. “The Commission is confident that Duane Kenagy will continue to lead the Port on a trajectory of excellence moving forward.” The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $180 billion in trade annually, supporting hundreds of thousands of Southern California jobs. The Port of Long Beach has been named the Best North American Sea Port by Asia Cargo News 18 times during the past 21 years. The Board of Harbor Commissioners, whose members are appointed by the Mayor of Long Beach and confirmed by the City Council, is responsible for setting policy for the Port and managing the Harbor Department.