Geraldine Knatz was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Geraldine Knatz, born in 1951 in Paterson, New Jersey, served as the Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. Her early interest in science, particularly in marine biology, was sparked during her college years at Rutgers University, where she began researching the New York Harbor. This initial exposure to harbor environments influenced her decision to pursue graduate studies at the University of Southern California (USC), focusing on the Los Angeles harbor for her dissertation. Her career at the Port of Los Angeles began in 1977 as an environmental scientist, a unique position, particularly for a woman. The interview explores Knatz's career trajectory, highlighting her pioneering role in environmental management at the port during a period when such positions were rare and often met with resistance. She discusses her involvement in significant environmental projects, including the kelp transplant project, which aimed to restore marine habitats in the harbor, and her role in improving water quality, which was severely degraded when she started her career. Knatz also reflects on the historical challenges faced by the port, such as the controversial study on fish cannery waste and its impact on harbor pollution. Knatz's passion for history is evident as she recounts her efforts to preserve the Port of Los Angeles' historical archives and landmarks. Upon returning to the port as Executive Director, she initiated a restoration and preservation plan for the archives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the port's historical legacy. The interview provides insight into her leadership philosophy, which balances environmental stewardship, historical preservation, and the port's economic development.