The Port of Los Angeles Monday named director of financial planning and analysis Jeffrey Strafford as the agency’s next chief financial officer.
A long-time city of Los Angeles employee, Strafford will oversee a wide range of the port’s financial business such as accounting, debt, financial analysis, and oversee the Financial Planning and Analysis divisions.
In the spring of 2024, port officials appointed Strafford as interim CFO, and now he will formally serve in that role.
Previously, in his role as the director of financial planning and analysis, Strafford oversaw the Financial Analysis and Budget Divisions. His duties encompassed the administration of the port’s $2.6 billion budget, improving fiscal systems, resource allocation, revenue optimization, among other things.
Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration Erica Calhoun in a statement called Strafford’s position as a “well-deserved promotion.”
“Jeff brings nearly three decades and an incredible resume of work to this executive position, one that plays a key role in managing the port’s financial performance and strategic direction,” Calhoun said in her statement. “His strong work ethic, proven track record of excellence and outstanding leadership qualities make him the perfect choice for our new CFO.”
Years prior, Strafford was the port’s budget manager. Before joining the Port of Los Angeles in 2011, he served as the purchasing manager for the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks, and as the tax compliance officer for the Office of Finance.
Strafford has a bachelor’s degree in business management economics with a minor in legal studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.