Guzman seeks to set strategic goals to attract more cargo and to handle that business in an environmentally-sustainable way, according to the Port of Long Beach. She also aims to broaden the port’s social responsibility outreach, and she said more people should be encouraged to lend their voices to the public dialogue on how the port is run.
“We want more business, we’re ready for more business and we will continue to do what we need to accommodate still more business in the future,” Guzman said. “One of our biggest challenges and opportunities will be to continue to protect the financial strength that brought us here while still embracing the diversity that makes our city so great.”
Guzman said success depends on prioritizing the port’s needs, and she called on the port to rededicate itself to the Green Port Policy, a coordinated approach to reduce the negative effects of port activities in the community, and look at operating in the local community as a privilege and responsibility.
“We owe it to the community to continue what we started 10 years ago,” Guzman said. “The Green Port is who we are, and it is part of everything we do. If there are opportunities to strengthen that policy, in a way that further addresses the needs of local communities directly impacted by the port, we must do so.”
She also stressed the importance of working with leaders, including Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and the city council, to help both the port and the City of Long Beach achieve mutual goals, according to port officials.
Also on Monday, Guzman announced she will resume using her given name— Lori Ann Guzman, as opposed to Lori Ann Farrell. She married Reggie Harrison, Long Beach director of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, becoming Lori Ann Farrell Harrison.
She shared that, as well as her recent marriage and family discussions, to promote her status as a mentor and role model in the community, and that it can be strengthened even further by honoring her cultural heritage and the roots of her family, according to port officials.
“It’s so much simpler, and it clearly identifies me. My cultural background and life experiences shaped who I am today,” Guzman said.
Guzman was elected president by commissioners on July 27. They also selected Lou Anne Bynum as vice president and Tracy Egoscue as secretary, giving the board an all-female officer slate for the first time in its history, according to port officials.
“I would also like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the women trailblazers whose shoulders we stand on today: former commissioners Louise Duvall, Carmen Perez, Doris Topsy-Elvord and Susan Wise. Their stellar leadership and dedication paved the way for the female majority on the board today, and for that we are so grateful.”
