EXECUTIVE PROFILE

A native of Ohio, who grew up in Long Beach, California, GBA President, Gus T. Hein began his professional career in 1988 as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Congressman Glenn M. Anderson where he provided leadership in economic and business development policy.  After returning to Southern California in 1991, Mr. Hein served as a Government Relations Officer with the Southern California Rapid Transit District (MTA) and subsequently with the Metropolitan Water District. In these two capacities, Mr. Hein served as a representative to federal, state, and local governmental bodies and regulatory agencies, and business, civic, and social organizations.  In 1997 he joined the executive management team of the Port of Long Beach, the nation’s busiest seaport as both the Executive Officer to the Board of Harbor Commissioners and the Director of Government Affairs.  He served as a key advisor on Port issues coming before the Board. He has extensive international business experience having planned and represented the Port on more than 50 trade missions worldwide to inspect port facilities, meet government officials and dignitaries, and market Port customers. As a result record of working with elected and appointed officials, Mr. Hein has become a recognized subject matter expert in the area of Board-Management relations. 

In September, 2007 Mr. Hein founded Global Business Advocates, a professional consulting firm specializing in international business development, strategic communications, and governing board relations.

Mr. Hein has had a long-standing relationship with Long Beach and its surrounding communities.  He is a Past President, Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce. He chaired the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Transportation Industry Task Force which addressed retraining for local residents impacted by the loss of aerospace and transportation related jobs.  Mr. Hein’s other civic activities have included work on behalf of the Women’s Shelter of Long Beach, the California Pools for the Handicapped, the Industry Education Council of Long Beach, and the Harbor Area Employer Advisory Council.  In 1998, Mr. Hein received the prestigious “Distinguished Service Award for Community Service” from the Long Beach Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Hein has been recognized at all levels of government for his volunteer work on behalf of displaced and veterans.  He served twelve years as Chairman of the Long Beach Stand Down program which assisted homeless and displaced veterans throughout the greater Long Beach area and for which he was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the “Veteran Business Advocate of the Year” in 1996.  He has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on local veterans issues and is an honorary life member of the 2nd Marine Division Association.  Mr. Hein currently serves as an Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Mr. Hein attended Loyola Marymount University and Cal State University, Long Beach where he graduated with a B.A. in Political Science.  He also holds a MBA from Pepperdine University.  Mr. Hein has also completed coursework in Global Logistics at CSULB. While in college, Mr. Hein was a two sport athlete competing in both baseball and swimming.