Splash247: Trump taps Laura DiBella to lead US shipping watchdog

President Donald Trump has named Laura DiBella as the new chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, filling a leadership gap at the US maritime regulator as it takes on a more assertive role in global shipping oversight.

DiBella, a former Florida secretary of commerce, was designated chairman on January 28, the FMC confirmed. She was sworn in as a commissioner earlier this month following Senate confirmation in December and will serve a term running until June 30, 2028.

She replaces Louis Sola, whose term as chairman expired at the end of June last year, leaving the post vacant for more than six months.

DiBella steps into the role as the FMC ramps up its enforcement activity and regulatory reach, particularly in liner shipping, following expanded powers under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.

Speaking after her designation, DiBella said her focus would be aligned with the Trump administration’s push to rebuild the US maritime sector.

“I am humbled and grateful for the faith that President Trump has demonstrated in me,” she said, adding that she looked forward to leading the agency as it carries out the administration’s mandate to restore America’s maritime standing.

Before joining the FMC, DiBella held several senior economic development roles in Florida, including president and chief executive of Enterprise Florida and president of the Florida Opportunity Fund. She also previously served as the first full-time executive director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association.

DiBella was nominated by the White House in September alongside Robert Harvey, who is still awaiting Senate confirmation. The FMC’s remaining commissioners include Rebecca Dye, Daniel Maffei — who served as chairman under former president Joe Biden — and Max Vekich.

As chairman, DiBella will act as both chief executive and chief administrative officer of the FMC, overseeing the agency’s growing workload at a time of heightened political and commercial focus on shipping, ports and supply chains.