The US Port of Long Beach has named Duane Kenagy as its interim chief executive following the recent departure of previous CEO Jon Slangerup.
Kenagy currently serves as the port’s capital programs executive, overseeing nearly $4.5bn in construction and improvement projects.
“Duane will lead the Port of Long Beach on a steady path forward as the search begins for a permanent chief executive,” said Lori Ann Guzmán, president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners.
Kenagy joined Long Beach in 2014 and has more than 35 years of engineering and design project management experience in the US and overseas.
“I’m looking forward to working with the board of harbor commissioners, our tenants and customers, and the talented team here at the Port of Long Beach to continue our strong tradition of service and innovation,” Kenagy stated.
“I am fully committed to helping this great organization transition to the new Chief Executive at the conclusion of the Board’s search.”
However, Kenagy and the commission stated he would not be a candidate for permanent appointment as CEO. His salary is proposed at $275,000 with duties to begin next week.
Long Beach’s board of harbor commissioners issued a request for proposals this week to select a firm to conduct an international search for its next CEO.
Slangerup announced he was leaving the port to become CEO of an aviation technology company based in Canada earlier this month.
He led the port through significant congestion challenges to record-setting cargo numbers and brought several innovative initiatives and projects to Long Beach.
