Long Beach Port’s Executive Director to Take New Post

The executive director of the Port of Long Beach, James H. McJunkin, has told his top executives that he plans to leave the $102,500-a-year post on Feb. 1 to take a newly created consulting position with the port.

McJunkin, 58, widely credited with building the port into one of the most profitable and productive in the nation during his decade-long tenure, will assume the title of international trade and marketing adviser, at a salary of $120,000 a year.

“The Harbor Commission feels McJunkin is one of the port’s great assets and that his talents can be utilized in this new position,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President David L. Hauser.

McJunkin, who has worked in the port since 1963, could not be reached for comment. One port executive said, however, that McJunkin confirmed his plans Thursday at a senior staff meeting.

The plan is still subject to approval by the Harbor Commission and Long Beach City Council. If approved, McJunkin would hold the consulting position until April, 1989, when he would retire and become president of the International Assn. of Ports and Harbors for two years. By then, he would be eligible for $60,000 a year in retirement benefits.

McJunkin is currently president of the California Assn. of Port Authorities and in line to head the American Assn. of Port Authorities.

$40-Billion Value

Paul Brown, the port’s managing director of administration and operations, would serve as acting executive director until a permanent director could be found. McJunkin would then be able to work with the new executive director for several months before retirement.

Under McJunkin’s leadership, the Port of Long Beach handled nearly 50 million metric revenue tons of goods, valued at more than $40 billion, in the 1986-87 fiscal year--more tonnage than any other West Coast port.

But while the port has prospered, sources say McJunkin’s independent style has clashed with harbor commissioners, who wanted a stronger hand in planning and operations.

“What we have seen is a change in the harbor commission. The mayor’s office and city council have taken control,” said a local trade executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The mayor, rather than the city manager, has nominated harbor commissioners since 1979. One harbor commissioner said the panel has become increasingly political under the change in the system.

McJunkin is credited for uncanny knowledge of the port and ability to attract high-value clients, but sources said commissioners want an executive director with stronger management and leadership skills.

“I would like to see Jim remain involved in the port with customers,” Harbor Commissioner Robert Langslet said. “I hope he remains involved in that--getting the customers, getting them in the port and keeping them happy. That’s his big forte.”