U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has appointed Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero to the federal Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee, which guides the secretary on strategies to improve the readiness and resiliency of the U.S. supply chain.
The appointment was announced in mid-June. The committee is made up of leaders from commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academia and environmental groups.
Cordero, who has led the Port of Long Beach since 2017, will continue in his role at the port.
“I thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg for this honor at such a pivotal time for international trade, and as we make significant investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Cordero said in a statement. “I am grateful to serve with other esteemed leaders and work to improve all areas of the maritime supply chain through investments in infrastructure and innovative technology.”
Prior to becoming the port’s executive director, Cordero served on the Federal Maritime Commission from 2011 to 2017 and was FMC Chairman from April 2013 to January 2017. Cordero, an attorney, served as a Long Beach Harbor Commissioner from 2003 to 2011. He holds a law degree from Santa Clara University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Long Beach.
“Mario’s expertise and knowledge make him an excellent choice to advise on issues surrounding the supply chain and maritime industry,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal said.