New chair designated for Federal Maritime Commission
The regulatory body governing maritime industry competitiveness in the United States has new leadership.
By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas & Pacific Correspondent
WASHINGTON — The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has new chair leadership. According to a press statement, Commissioner Daniel B. Maffei has been designated the chair of the commission. President Joe Biden named the designation on March 29, 2021. Maffei is a sitting member of the FMC and serves as the Democratic-designee over Michael A. Khouri, a Trump industry advocate.
“I am grateful and humbled by the confidence President Biden has placed in me by appointing me Chairman at such a critical time for our Nation’s supply chain,” said Maffei in a statement. “Due to the effects of COVID-19 and an unprecedented import boom, we are dealing with serious challenges to America’s international ocean transportation system – challenges that the FMC has a vital role in addressing, both on its own as an independent agency and in cooperation with other agencies.”
Maffei served as a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives for two terms, representing a district in New York.
He was also a professional serving the administration of former President Barack Obama under the Department of Commerce. He also was a Capitol Hill aide and a journalist previously. The press statement from the FMC notes that Maffei is married and has one daughter. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts and master’s degrees from Brown, Columbia, and Harvard Universities, respectfully.
“I look forward to working in a new role with one of the most qualified and dedicated staff of civil service professionals in the federal government,” said Maffei.
