In Memoriam – Julia Tomoko Nagano

Julia Tomoko Nagano, former director of communications for the Port of Los Angeles, passed away July 19 at the age of 68. The cause of death was cancer.

Ms. Nagano began her 39-year public relations career with the City of Los Angeles as a public relations representative for the Los Angeles Police Department. She joined the port staff in 1979 and served as director of public affairs from 1990 to 2004 and director of communications from 2004 until her retirement in 2010.

During her successful career, she received numerous commendations and awards. She was an active member and a past chair of the AAPA Public Relations Committee. She also served on the boards of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, the Harbor Area YWCA and the Seamen’s Church Institute in San Pedro.

A cum laude graduate of California State University, Long Beach, Ms. Nagano also completed the Executive Program in Management at UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management and post-graduate courses in public relations at USC.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Lance, sons Kevin and Robert, and two granddaughters
Julia was widely respected for her communications skills, leadership and expertise and for her contributions and dedication to the public seaport industry. The AAPA family will treasure her memory.

Julia Tomoko Nagano
1948 - 2016
Photo/AAPA