The Containerization & Intermodal Institute announced Monday that Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka is the recipient of this year’s prestigious Connie Award.
The award – which will be given to Seroka on Dec. 6 at an event in New Jersey, highlights maritime industry leaders who showcase a spirit for innovation and have made a major impact on containerization, world trade and transportation.
“Gene Seroka embodies all the leadership qualities we look for in a Connie Award recipient,” said CII President Steve Blust. “His strength of character and resilience as well as his innovative approach to solutions have been demonstrated throughout his career, but never more so than over the last year and a half as the world struggled to navigate the challenges presented by Covid-19.”
“While he may live and work in Los Angeles, Gene’s action-oriented leadership has impacted our entire industry — not just on a national level, but on a global scale as well,” Blust said.
The award, which has been recognizing industry leaders since 1972, honors Seroka’s 33 years of industry experience, including 26 years at APL. Since 2014, he has been at the helm of the nation’s busiest seaport overseeing record-breaking cargo volumes.
Seroka said he was honored to be among the award’s recipients, which have included former maritime journalist and politician Helen Delich Bentley and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Richard M. Larrabee. “The list of honorees over the years are many maritime professionals who I’ve admired and followed my entire career,” he said. “I’m truly humbled to be recognized among them.”
