Managing Director Trade Relations and Port Operations
Port of Long Beach, California
Alex H. Cherin is the Managing Director of Trade Relations and Port Operations at the Port of Long Beach, California, appointed to the post in April 2009 by the Board of Harbor Commissioners. Mr. Cherin had served since coming to the Port in November 2007 as Executive Officer to the Board, one of only two staff positions reporting directly to them. He was recommended to the spot on the Port's executive management team by Executive Director Richard D. Steinke.
In his new role as Managing Director, Mr. Cherin oversees the Port's Trade Relations and Port Operations Bureau, which includes the Communications, Trade Relations, Security and Maintenance Divisions. He reports to J. Christopher Lytle who served in the same Managing Director role before being promoted to Deputy Executive Director for the Port.
As Executive Officer to the Harbor Commission, Mr. Cherin coordinated all administrative and communications functions for the Board, made recommendations on public policy issues, provided liaison with elected officials and public policy bodies, and coordinated trade missions and conferences, among other duties. He also ensured that all necessary legal requirements were followed in the execution of the Board's orders.
During his tenure, he provided leadership with the mitigation for the Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project, coordinated and participated in high-level meetings with Port customers throughout the world, and supported the Port's Clean Trucks Program.
Before joining the Port, Mr. Cherin was Long Beach Assistant City Auditor, appointed by City Auditor Laura L. Doud in May 2006 and helped successfully pass the Public Safety Oil Tax Initiative in conjunction with the Office of Mayor Bob Foster. Before working in the public arena, Mr. Cherin practiced law with the Long Beach firm of Flynn, Delich & Wise, LLP, where he served as Senior Legal Counsel of Maritime and International Trade Law.
Mr. Cherin is Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles County Superior Court and has sat on the Board of Governors for the Long Beach Bar Association and Bar Foundation. In 2004, he was appointed to the City of Long Beach Economic Development Commission by then-Mayor Beverly O’Neill, where he advised the Commission and City on matters relating to international trade and commerce.
A graduate of Leadership Long Beach, Mr. Cherin has also served as a Board member for the Downtown-Buffum YMCA, the State Bar VIP Program, Children Today, US Vets and Dramatic Results.
Born and raised in Long Beach, he holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a juris doctor degree from Loyola Law School.
The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a trail blazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. Each year, trade valued at more than $140 billion moves through the Port of Long Beach, supporting more than 316,000 Southern California jobs. And with a Green Port Policy guiding all efforts, the Port is a catalyst for innovative programs to protect the environment.
