Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Development
Port of Long Beach
Richard D. “Rick” Cameron is the Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Development for the Port of Long Beach, California, named to the post in August 2018 by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, governing body for the Port. He and Co-Deputy Executive Director of Administration and Operations Dr. Noel Hacegaba report to the Executive Director.
Following a global search for a Deputy Executive Director, in an innovative move – unique in the industry – the Commission chose to take advantage of the two men’s complementary skills and deep experience in all facets of maritime and logistics management to serve as Co-Deputy Executive Directors, providing powerful leadership during this period of significant change in the goods movement industry.
Mr. Cameron joined the Port as an intern in 1996 and was hired as an Environmental Specialist late that same year. He left the Port in early 2003 for a consulting assignment where he gathered valuable environmental and coastal land use experience, returning to Long Beach in early 2006 as Manager of Environmental Planning. Following a departmental reorganization in 2007, Mr. Cameron was named Director of the newly-created Environmental Planning Division. In July 2013, he was appointed Acting Managing Director and named Managing Director in February 2014.
As Managing Director, he oversaw the Environmental Affairs and Planning Bureau that includes Environmental Planning, Master Planning and Transportation Planning. As Director of Environmental Planning, he led the Division most directly responsible for the Port’s signature environmental program, the Green Port Policy, and the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. Under the Green Port Policy, the Division coordinates programs to improve air, water and soil quality, preserve wildlife habitat and integrate sustainability into Port practices.
Early in his Port career, as an Environmental Specialist, he worked in the areas of water quality, air quality, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation.
Prior experience included management of various environmental programs for the Port of Los Angeles and serving as a private consultant for other clients.
Mr. Cameron has a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is a resident of Manhattan Beach.