The Port of Los Angeles has announced leadership changes aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and overall performance.
The Californian port has appointed Jeffrey Strafford as its new chief financial officer (CFO). Strafford is a highly regarded, respected financial manager and long-time City of Los Angeles employee, and will oversee a wide range of the Port’s financial affairs, including the Port’s Accounting, Debt and Financial Analysis, and Financial Planning and Analysis divisions.
“Jeff brings nearly three decades and an incredible resumé of work to this executive position, one that plays a key role in managing the Port’s financial performance and strategic direction,” said Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration Erica M. Calhoun.
Before assuming the interim CFO role last spring, Strafford served as the Port’s Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, overseeing professional staff across the division’s two sections: Financial Analysis and Budget. His duties included administering the Port’s US$2.6 billion budget, improving fiscal systems, and overseeing forecasting, resource allocation and revenue optimization, among other financial processes.
Prior to that, he was successively promoted to the Port’s budget manager, a position responsible for formulating and implementing the Port’s annual adopted budget. Before joining the Port in 2011, Strafford served as the purchasing manager for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and as a tax compliance officer for the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance.
Additionally, Artie Mandel has been promoted to Director of Government Affairs at the Port of Los Angeles, overseeing the Port’s collaborative efforts with governmental entities at the local, regional, state and federal levels. His duties will involve advocacy, legislative coordination, grant funding identification and coalition building, among other responsibilities.
Mandel previously served as the Port’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. In his new position, he will continue to report to Avin Sharma, the Port’s Senior Director of Workforce and Government Affairs.
“Artie has a long track record of bringing stakeholders together to tackle challenging policy issues, and facilitate smart and strategic solutions,” stated Sharma. “His extensive background and understanding of government processes across all levels of government, along with his strong work ethic, are a tremendous asset to our Port. We look forward to seeing all he will be able to accomplish in this new role.”
Prior to joining the Port, Mandel served as Chief of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs for the City of Los Angeles, where he oversaw federal, state and local government affairs and advocacy. In that role, he worked with City Departments and the City Council to develop and execute the City’s legislative program. During his tenure there, he was credited with helping secure more than US$1 billion in state homelessness assistance and housing grants for the City.
Previous to that, he served for 10 years on Capitol Hill as senior policy advisor for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and legislative director for Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), where he focused on tax, international trade and affordable housing policy.
