26 Jul 2023
Harbour Commission Vice President, Bobby Olvera Jr. was elected on Monday as President of the Long Beach Board of Harbour Commissioners, the five-member panel that oversees the Port of Long Beach. 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 Bobby Olvera Jr.

Extensive industry experience

Bobby Olvera Jr. 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 and has held numerous leadership roles, including three terms as President of Local 13. In 1991, Olvera took a leave of absence to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Olvera served on boards of Miguel Contreras Advocacy Foundation and United Way of Los Angeles

In addition to his work as a labour leader and his military service, Olvera has served on the boards of the Miguel Contreras Advocacy Foundation and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Labour Community Services.

He is also a former member of the Long Beach Economic Development Commission. Appointed to the Harbour Commission in 2020, Olvera was elected as Vice President of the Board in July 2022.

Author's quote

It’s an honour to be chosen as President by my colleagues,” said Bobby Olvera Jr., adding “We are at a critical juncture in our Port’s history as we accelerate our progress towards 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.