California State Assembly Speaker Emeritus John A. Pérez is the newest member of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, the agency that governs the Port of L.A.
The Sept. 20 announcement came following the Los Angeles City Council’s unanimous approval of Pérez’s appointment.
Pérez, an L.A. Mayor Karen Bass nominee, brings a breadth of experience in labor and government, including serving on the Board of the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, California League of Conservation Voters and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.
He was elected to the California Assembly to represent Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas in November 2008 and served as Assembly Speaker from 2010-2014.
In that role, he oversaw 1,300 employees and a $156 million budget. During his tenure, Pérez supported job growth and economic development and wrote the legislation that formed the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
Pérez also currently serves as a regent for the University of California.
“He has unwavering passion for bettering our city and I’m confident that he will be a champion for the San Pedro and Wilmington communities and also work to support the port’s vital function as the number one port in the country,” Bass said.
Pérez replaces formed board member Diane Middleton of San Pedro, who was not nominated to a second term by Bass.
