Michael Khouri Named FMC Chairman

Michael A. Khouri was designated by President Trump as chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission on March 7. He had previously served as acting chairman from January 23, 2017.

Khouri was first nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2009, was renominated and confirmed for a full five year term in November 2011, and was renominated and confirmed for his current term in June, 2016.

Khouri is a 48 year veteran in the maritime industry from positions held in marine vessel operations, legal and executive positions. He also served on the boards of directors at Waterways Council Inc. and The American Waterways Operators.

Khouri began his career as a deck crewman for Paducah, Ky.-based Crounse Corporation, where he worked up in rank with service in the engineroom and then into the wheelhouse as pilot and captain, earning his U.S. Merchant Marine Officer’s License as master and pilot first class on steam and motor vessels.

He served for 23 years with American Commercial Barge Line, the largest U.S. inland marine company, holding executive positions including general counsel and secretary, senior vice president for law and corporate affairs, and senior vice president for transportation services-marine operations. Khouri then joined MERS/Economy Boat, serving as president and chief operating officer before moving home to Louisville, Ky., to join the law firm of Pedley & Gordinier.

Khouri received his B.A. in Economics in 1971 from Tulane University, and his J.D. from the Brandeis School of Law-University of Louisville in 1980. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.