Ocean cargo/global logistics: Obama seeks to fill vacant FMC seat
The Federal Maritime Commission will soon be brought closer to full strength if the nomination of a fourth candidate is approved by the Senate.
Patrick Burnson -- Logistics Management, 12/2/2009
WASHINGTON, DC-- The Federal Maritime Commission will soon
be brought closer to full strength if the nomination of a fourth candidate is
approved by the Senate.
News from U.S Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's office today
confirmed that President Obama will
nominate Michael A. Khouri to serve as the FMC's fourth commissioner.
Khouri, who was recommended by McConnell and currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky,
has over 35 years of experience in the maritime industry.
"I appreciate the President's decision to select a Kentuckian to serve
on the Federal Maritime Commission, McConnell said. "Michael Khouri has over
three decades of experience in the maritime industry, and I am confident that
he will make an outstanding Commissioner.
While the FMC was not available for comment at press time, shippers
contacted by LM said that it was
reassuring that only one other seat remains to be filled next year.
"Given the number of important issues being brought before the
Commission in 2010, we are glad to see that some balance is being created,"
said Peter Gatti, executive vice president, National Industrial Transportation
League. "Commissioners with expertise in carrier operations and regulatory
barriers are especially welcome."
Khouri is currently an attorney in private practice with a Louisville law firm. He
also has served as President & Chief Operating Officer of MERS/Economy Boat
in Memphis, TN,
and as Senior Vice President-maritime operations of American Commercial Lines
in Jeffersonville, IN. In the 1970s, he began his maritime
career by serving as a deck crewman for the Crounse Corporation in Paducah, Kentucky;
he eventually worked his way up to Captain.
Earlier this year, Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr., of Baltimore, MD, was sworn in as a Commissioner for a term to expire on June 30, 2012.
Lidinsky comes to the Commission as a 37-year veteran in the maritime trade industry from positions held in both business and government. After serving as a Congressional aide on the U.S. House of Representatives Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, he began his professional legal career in the FMC's Office of General Counsel as Legislative Counsel from 1973-75. In 1975 the Maryland Port Administration appointed him to be Director of Tariffs and National Port Affairs, as well as counsel.
Obama names Lidinsky FMC chairman
09/18/2009FMC Wants Shipper's Feedback
12/02/2009
View All On-Demand Webcasts