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Hard to find replacement for outgoing Long Beach chief Slangerup

THE man who steered the Port of Long Beach through one of the most turbulent times in its long history, Jon Slangerup, is leaving to become head of Ottawa software company Mxi Technologies two years into a three-year contract.

Prior to hiring Mr Slangerup, there was political drama almost every day as relations between the port and City Hall deteriorated.

One commissioner was fired by former Mayor Bob Foster. Another commissioner retired, saying he was worn down and fed up with political infighting.

There were controversies over cost overruns on major port projects. Mr Foster vetoed a new port headquarters building and commissioners' travel expenses.

On top of all that, the port's executive director, Chris Lytle, left to take a job as head of the Port of Oakland, the Long Beach Press Telegram reported.

When commissioners were searching for someone to replace Mr Lytle, one wag said they needed "someone who could walk on water".

After an arduous search lasting more than a year, commissioners finally hired Mr Slangerup, former FedEx Canada president, to lead the nation's second busiest seaport. "Mr Slangerup didn't walk on water in Long Beach, but he rose to many of the challenges facing the port, and he will be missed," said the Long Beach Press Telegram.

During his tenure, calm returned to the relationship between the port and City Hall said, its report.

Mr Slangerup also brought with him experience in global logistics and environmental technology, attributes that helped the port improve congestion.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said Mr Slangerup improved efficiency, reduced emissions and guided the port through difficult times. He also played an important role in bringing the new port headquarters to the new Civic Centre complex.

There will be many critical issues facing Mr Slangerup's successor: competition from the newly expanded Panama Canal; financial turmoil in the shipping industry, and financial concerns on capital construction at the port, including Gerald Desmond Bridge overruns and other projects.

Filling Mr Slangerup's shoes will not be easy. Harbour commissioners will conduct a national search for his successor. They don't need someone who can walk on water, they need someone to navigate the rough waters ahead.