Port of Long Beach announced several names to join the Harbor Commission —  the five-member panel that oversees the gateway.

In its announcement, the port said Bobby Olvera Jr., vice president of the Harbor Commission, was elected as President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.

The board also selected Bonnie Lowenthal as vice president and Frank Colonna as secretary.

Each July, Commissioners select a president and two board officers for one-year terms. The Commission's new officers will begin their terms at the next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 14, when outgoing President Sharon L. Weissman will hand the gavel to Olvera.

Olvera is a fifth-generation longshoreman and serves as International Vice President (Mainland) of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. He began his 30-year history with the ILWU in 1989.

He is also a former member of the Long Beach Economic Development Commission. Olvera was elected as a vice president of the Board in July 2022.

"It's an honour to be chosen as president by my colleagues," said Olvera. "We are at a critical juncture in our Port's history as we accelerate our progress toward zero emissions. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Commissioners, CEO Mario Cordero, staff and all of our industry partners to build a more efficient, sustainable and equitable port."

Under the City Charter, the Board sets policy for the Port and directs the Port's CEO, who leads about 530 employees in developing and promoting the Port of Long Beach.