Rodriguez brings diverse and extensive experience to the newly created role at the Port of Long Beach, ranging from the White House and Los Angeles Mayor’s Office to her most recent position with Metro Los Angeles, which is the county’s public transportation authority.

As Metro’s Chief Communications Officer, Rodriguez led 275 employees and managed a $50 million budget overseeing media relations, government relations, marketing, communications and community relations. She was also responsible for customer programs and services.

She previously served as Director of the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard University, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Univision, Director of Communications and Press Secretary to First Lady Laura Bush from 2001 to 2003 and Deputy Mayor under former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. In 2000, Mayor Riordan appointed Rodriguez to serve as president and CEO of LA 2000, the host committee for the Democratic National Convention, Los Angeles’ first political convention since President Kennedy’s nomination in 1960.

Rodriguez’s expertise is expected to further enhance the Harbor Department’s award-winning advocacy and communications efforts.

Rodriguez earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Los Angeles. She also completed one year of studies in the social ecology program at University of California, Irvine.

“I am so pleased to have Noelia join our world-class Port team,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup. “Her years of experience in communications and government relations are exactly what we need during this very dynamic time at the Port.”

“This is a terrific milestone that validates the investment made by FECR, Port Everglades, the State of Florida and Broward County. One that will have long-lasting benefits for the community by reducing road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions,” Hertwig said. “We look forward to continued growth at the ICTF as the Port adds new docks and cranes, and expands its harbor with deeper and wider channels.”

In a model public-private partnership, FECR built the ICTF on 43 acres provided by Broward County’s Port Everglades. The ICTF, which was completed in 18 months and opened in July 2014, is used to transfer international intermodal containers arriving or departing by ship-both north/south and east/west trade lanes – as well as domestic containers and trailers with cargo moving to and from South Florida.

Prior to the opening of this facility, such containers were transported by truck to and from Port Everglades to off-port rail terminals in Fort Lauderdale and Hialeah.

“The ICTF ensures that Port Everglades is competitive with other U.S. East Coast gateways, and, most importantly, gives South Florida a cost and time-to-market advantage over many of these gateways,” said Steve Cernak, Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director.

Cargo moves through Port Everglades to/from Atlanta and Charlotte in two days, and Nashville and Memphis in three days. FECR’s direct connection to the nation’s Class 1 rail network allows for service to 70 percent of the U.S. population within four days.

Additionally, having empty 53-foot domestic containers and trailers adjacent to the Port provides more opportunities to trans-load import cargo from ocean containers to domestic containers for inland rail transport. This results in more domestic containers moving north as loads, instead of empties, increasing the efficiency of the intermodal network.

The ICTF is expected to reduce congestion on interstate highways and local roadways because loading and offloading cargo will take place at the Port as opposed to offsite facilities. As a result, air emissions will be reduced by diverting an estimated 180,000 trucks from the roads by 2027.

Mr Goodwill was joined by DP World Chairman, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, to formalise the opening of the centre during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The first phase of this high tech unit, which comprises 16,800m² (180,000 sq ft) of distribution and logistics space and 2,400m² (25,000 sq ft) of office space, has been finished to BREEAM “very good” standard, the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. Based on market demand, DP World is now planning to increase the size of the centre to 36,000m².

In partnership with DP World, the centre is being operated by Import Services Limited, a leading UK logistics services provider, offering a variety of activities on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Robert Goodwill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, said: “I am delighted to have been able to open the London Gateway Logistics Centre, which is the next step in this ground-breaking development on the north-bank of the River Thames which is breath-taking in its size, scale and attention to detail.

“DP World London Gateway is an excellent example of the benefits inward investment brings to UK infrastructure and the economy.

“Any project that gives the country an edge, whether it be generating supply chain efficiency or leading the way in environmental sustainability, should be commended.”

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said: “Our new DP World London Gateway Logistics Centre is the next landmark in this unique development for the UK and I am delighted to be here today with the Minister for Transport.

“DP World London Gateway is transforming UK supply chains and this new logistics hub has been constructed to the highest quality and environmental standards. It is the perfect example of how retailers and cargo owners can achieve cost savings by positioning themselves strategically, here, in the right location for trade.

“Our team has worked hard to deliver the first building at the London Gateway Logistics Park. I would like to congratulate them on producing a world-class edifice, fit for the challenges of 21st Century logistics.

“Our next building, in joint venture with Prologis, is progressing well and we expect it to be ready in September.

John Eynon, Managing Director, Import Services Limited, said: “In just two months of operations at the new London Gateway Logistics Centre, the strong demand for our services means we are already approaching capacity of phase one and now seeking to accelerate development of additional warehousing space at London Gateway.