Mayor Hahn Announces Top Port Security Appointments.

News Editors/Business Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2004

Mayor Jim Hahn today announced appointments to two top security posts at the Port of Los Angeles. Noel K. Cunningham was appointed Director of Operations and Emergency Management and George P. Cummings was appointed Director of Homeland Security.

"Tight security at the busiest container port in the nation is key to making Los Angeles the safest big city in the nation," Mayor Hahn said. "The Port of Los Angeles demands the expertise of the best security professionals, and we have found this in Noel Cunningham and George Cummings."

Larry Keller, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, praised the appointments of Cunningham and Cummings. "These appointments are in line with security being a top priority at the Port," Keller said.

In the senior management position of Director of Operations and Emergency Management, Cunningham is responsible for the Port's homeland security operations, the Port Police department and the Port Pilots. Cunningham was previously Chief of the Port Police, a position he held for nine years. Cunningham came to the Port in 1991 after a 25-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department.

As Director of Homeland Security, Cummings will coordinate the Port's threat and intelligence assessment, grant application and emergency preparedness efforts. Cummings retired as a commander after 21 years in the Coast Guard, most recently serving as Deputy Captain of the Port, Los Angeles/Long Beach. In this position, Cummings directed Coast Guard operations from Dana Point to San Luis Obispo and established the Los Angeles-Long Beach Port Security Committee.

"Noel Cunningham and George Cummings bring a level of professionalism and combined experience that will be great assets to the Port," said Nicholas Tonsich, Board of Harbor Commissioners President. "We look forward to their leadership and guidance in the years to come."