Community Advocates

Cecilia Moreno is the Director of Community Relations for the Port of Los Angeles. In this role, she oversees special events, community grants, and administration of the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department’s memberships and sponsorships. Appointed to her current position in October 2023, Moreno previously served as the Port’s Wilmington Community Affairs Advocate since 2006. Prior to joining the Port, Cecilia managed the community affairs for the Shell Los Angeles Refinery in Wilmington, now known as the Marathon Refinery. Moreno is a native of Wilmington where she continues to live, working to improve the quality of life of the residents of this Port community. She is a product of public education, having graduated from Banning High School and then attending California State University Dominguez Hills, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration. Moreno is readily recognized for her civic and community activities, having served on the boards of several local organizations, including the Wilmington YMCA, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington Neighborhood Council, and Friends of Banning’s Landing Community Center. Moreno co-founded and co-chaired the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Harbor Division Spanish Community-Police Advisory Board from 2004-2013. As a result, a mostly silent community has become engaged and true partners of LAPD. As a testament to her community service, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recognized Moreno as a True Angel of the City of Los Angeles in 2009. In addition, she completed the Coro Executive Fellows Program in 2013. In 2023, she was recognized as Board Member of the Year by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. She continues to strive to build a healthy and safe community for all stakeholders.

Augie Bezmalinovich works for the Community Relations Division at the Port of Los Angeles as the San Pedro Community Affairs Advocate. He serves as a liaison between the various communities surrounding the Port of Los Angeles and throughout the Southern California region to educate and promote the Port as both a regional community partner and major economic asset. He works with community leaders and Port-related business stakeholders to identify programs and venues for facilitation of Port and community interactions citywide and provide strategies for overcoming or resolving community issues that impact the Port. Augie is a lifelong resident of San Pedro, where his family has lived for close to 100 years. He graduated from Mary Star of the Sea High School and University of Southern California. He and his wife Lynn have three children and three grandchildren.