Toy Association Congratulates Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka on Maritime Industry Award

The following article is based on a press release issued by the Port of Los Angeles on September 13, 2021.

September 14, 2021 | The Toy Association congratulates Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka on winning the Containerization & Intermodal Institute’s (CII) Connie Award, which recognizes maritime industry leaders who have made significant contributions to containerization, world trade, and the transportation field. The award will be presented to Seroka at a December 6 ceremony in New Jersey.

“In addition to being a key guide to those in the maritime industry, Gene has been a tremendous help to consumer product manufacturers navigating how best to get their products ashore,” said Ed Desmond, executive vice president of external affairs at The Toy Association. “As the toy industry continues to face challenges related to the global shipping crisis and its impact on U.S. ports, we are thankful that we can turn to Gene and his excellent team for guidance. The honor is well deserved.”

Seroka was also recognized earlier this year with the Southern California Logistics Council Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Supply Chain & Logistics Management. The award, which honors industry leaders for their accomplishments in the supply chain, logistics and maritime industry, was presented by the Inland Empire Economic Partnership.

Seroka has served as executive director of the Port of Los Angeles since 2014, where he oversees the busiest container port in North America. He concurrently serves as chief logistics officer for the City of Los Angeles, leading the citywide effort Logistics Victory Los Angeles, which links organizations in need of Personal Protective Equipment with available supplies. Throughout his 33-year career in shipping, global logistics, and executive management, he has also held several managerial positions at APL (formerly called American President Lines Ltd) where he oversaw sales and management in Shanghai, Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore, and Dubai and served as president of the Americas.

On September 30, Seroka will present a Toy Association members-only webinar that will provide a Q4 port update. The webinar marks the latest collaboration between The Toy Association and the Port of LA and will examine the harmful shipping delays impacting toy manufacturers. The Toy Association has hosted a previous webinar and virtual meeting for members with Seroka and his team. Registration for the September 30 webinar is now open.