Richard Steinke, who will retire this year as executive director of the Port of Long Beach and who was instrumental in developing the port into one of the world’s largest container harbors, has been selected to receive the Connie Award to be presented on the West Coast by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute. Recipients are recognized with the award for significant influence on containerization in world trade and transportation and are honored for innovative spirit in their careers and at their respective companies, as well as for their positive influence on the industries they serve.
Steinke has served the Port of Long Beach for more than 14 years. “Richard Steinke established himself as an indispensable leader of the Port of Long Beach and the international transportation community,” says Allen Clifford, president of CII. “His diligence, attention to detail and vision keep the port among the busiest in the world and among the most advanced for our imports and exports.”
Steinke led the port’s redevelopment of the former Long Beach Naval Complex, creating one of the nation’s largest container cargo terminals. He transitioned the port, making it both a builder of modern cargo terminals while becoming environmentally efficient. Steinke also implemented a Green Port Policy that included a successful Clean Trucks Program in collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles.
Steinke’s leadership and expertise were instrumental in various projects including winning approvals for the $1 billion Middle Harbor Redevelopment project and the $950 million Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement project. These projects will help create one of the nation’s largest container cargo terminals.
