When global tariffs go into effect, how long before the impact hits workers in Los Angeles? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo welcomes back Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Long Beach, to discuss how one of the country’s busiest ports is helping to rebuild L.A.’s economy. He unpacks how the supply chain crisis pushed ports from being practically invisible to absolutely essential, and what lessons are driving the next chapter. From zero-emissions goals to workforce pipelines, Dr. Hacegaba shares how the supply chain crisis turned ports from invisible to essential, and how the port is now investing in people, partnerships, and innovation to keep the economy moving.
You’ll learn:
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What the supply chain crisis taught port leaders about resilience, visibility, and coordination
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How the Port is investing $3.2 billion in clean infrastructure and digital modernization
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How tariff policy and global trade decisions ripple through local jobs and LA’s economy
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Why “goods movement is the economy in motion,” and what that means for every Angeleno
About the Guest:
Dr. Noel Hacegaba is the Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Long Beach, the nation’s second-busiest seaport, where he oversees daily operations and long-term strategy. He led the Port’s response to global supply chain disruptions and is currently spearheading its digital transformation through the Supply Chain Information Highway. With over 26 years of experience in both public and private sectors, including managing a $200 million portfolio at a Fortune 500 company, Dr. Hacegaba brings deep expertise in logistics, infrastructure, and economic development. He holds degrees from USC and a doctorate from the University of La Verne, and serves on multiple national industry boards.
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