Bobby Olvera Jr. began his term as Harbor Commission President on Monday by accepting the gavel and announcing his goals to increase community engagement and connect industry partners with local schools for the year ahead at the Port of Long Beach.

Olvera, a fifth-generation longshore worker currently serving as International Vice President (Mainland) of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, said he intends to strengthen the Port’s ties to nearby neighborhoods most impacted by port operations, particularly those in West Long Beach and in North Long Beach. He succeeds Harbor Commissioner Sharon L. Weissman, who served as the Board’s president for the past 12 months.

“Some of the most important work we do involves community engagement and encouraging students to participate in our education and workforce programs,” said Olvera, who was appointed to the Board in 2020. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Harbor Commission and Port staff to build the workforce of tomorrow and secure our role as the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

“I would like to congratulate President Olvera for being selected by colleagues to navigate the Harbor Commission through the year ahead,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We look forward to working with him to improve the lives of people living near the Port and bolstering our education partnerships.”

As head of the Board that sets policy for the Port, Olvera said he also wants to increase the Board’s support of the Port’s education outreach programs such as the Academy of Global Logistics at Cabrillo High School in West Long Beach and the ACE Academy at Jordan High School in North Long Beach.

Additionally, Olvera said he plans to work with industry partners to donate new tools and equipment for shop classes at local high schools.