“We have unanimously selected Al Moro as our interim
executive director,” Board of Harbor Commissioners President Susan Anderson
Wise said. “He is highly respected by all of the commissioners, very well
regarded in our industry and well-liked by the port staff.”
Moro, who joined the port in 1997 as a civil engineer,
currently oversees all administrative and technical activities for its
engineering programs, including nearly $4 billion in capital improvement
projects.
As chief harbor engineer, Moro has overseen all
administrative and technical activities for the port’s four engineering
divisions, including construction management. He supervised 135 engineers,
surveyors, technicians, and support staff, and managed the port’s extensive
capital improvement program, including the replacement of the Gerald Desmond
Bridge.
Moro’s appointment goes into effect following a formal vote
on June 17, said Wise.
“I am honored to have been selected by the Board of Harbor Commissioners to serve as interim director,” Moro commented. “A major goal of mine will be to provide stability and continuity during the transition. It’s important that we continue to move forward with all of our projects.”
Moro has said he would not be a candidate for the permanent
position.
Lytle is expected to remain at Long Beach until mid-July and
is scheduled to begin his new job in Oakland shortly thereafter. His imminent
departure means that the Port of Long Beach will have five upper management
vacancies to fill. In addition to the executive director’s job, the positions
of Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director of
Trade Development and Port Operations, and Director of Communications, are all
currently vacant. Also, Long Beach’s Managing Director of Environmental Affairs
& Planning, Robert Kanter, is retiring after 23 years with the Port of Long
Beach.
