Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, has been elected president of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, the port announced Wednesday.

Knatz was unanimously chosen at the association’s biennial World Ports Conference last month in Busan, Korea. Her term runs until May 2013.

“Dr. Knatz is a dynamic leader with the skill, drive and experience to guide this organization and its members as they collaborate on key trade and environmental policy issues,” said IAPH Secretary General Susumu Naruse in a statement. “We look forward to the role she will play in promoting an organization that facilitates dialogue and collaboration between the ports and harbors that drive our world economy.”

The association’s priorities include working with member ports in 52 countries to adopt a menu of best practices for reducing greenhouse gases and curbing pollution from vessels and port-related operations. Other projects include developing international guidelines for fueling ships with liquefied natural gas.