America’s Busiest Port Has Increased Revenue, Maintained Strong Debt Management Portfolio Since Her Appointment in 2015

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – The Los Angeles Business Journal has named Port of Los Angeles Deputy Executive Director Marla Bleavins as the 2021 Chief Financial Officer of the Year for Public Service. Held virtually, the 15th annual event honored nine finance professionals for their ongoing efforts as outstanding financial stewards.

Bleavins serves as both Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration as well as Chief Financial Officer for the Port of Los Angeles, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles. Although a City agency, the Port is not supported by City taxes. Operating as a landlord port with nearly 300 leaseholders, the Port instead generates its revenues from leasing and shipping service fees.

“Marla’s financial acumen, expertise, and strategic planning have played a vital role in the Port’s success,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Additionally, her focus on employee development has helped shape the talented workforce here at the Port.”

Throughout Bleavins’ six-year tenure, the Port of Los Angeles has continued to receive an AA, Aa2, or equivalent bond ratings from financial rating agencies, including S&P and Moody’s.

Prior to working at the Port, Bleavins served as Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration at the City of Los Angeles Department of Convention and Tourism Development. Prior to that, she served as Project Manager and Debt and Treasury Manager at Los Angeles World Airports.

A Los Angeles native, Bleavins holds a Bachelor of Arts in public policy and political science from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $259 billion in trade during 2020. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs across the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. The Port of Los Angeles has remained open with all terminals operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.