By Mark Edward Nero
Mario Cordero was reconfirmed as a Federal Maritime Commissioner on Oct. 8. Cordero joined the Commission as a Commissioner on June 3, 2011, having been nominated by Pres. Barack Obama on Sept. 17, 2010, and confirmed by the Senate on April 14, 2011.
Cordero was designated chair of the Federal Maritime Commission on April 1, 2013 by President Obama.
Prior to his appointment to the Maritime Commission, Cordero was an attorney in private practice, an adjunct professor of Political Science at Long Beach City College, and served eight years on the Port of Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.
As Long Beach Harbor Commission president, Cordero led one of the port’s most successful initiatives, the Green Port Policy, which has been nationally recognized, and helped redefine cargo movement worldwide.
“I am honored that President Obama has entrusted me to serve the American people in this important capacity, and grateful to the Senate for this confirmation,” Cordero said in a statement. “As the nation’s premier regulatory agency for international ocean transportation, my colleagues and I face significant challenges as we seek to reduce congestion, protect the public from unfair and deceptive practices, and keep international trade flowing in an efficient and reliable manner.”
“I am fortunate to have the support of a small but dedicated staff of professionals to execute this vital mission,” he added.