Biography
Commissioner Max Vekich was nominated by President Biden on June 24, 2021, and again on January 4, 2022, to a term expiring on June 30, 2026. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on February 10, 2022, and he was sworn into office on February 15, 2022.
Commissioner Vekich was previously a longshoreman and union official with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. He served as a Member of the Labor Relations Committee for ILWU Local 52, as President of the ILWU Local 52, and on the International Executive Board.
Between 1983 and 1991, Commissioner Vekich served in the Washington State House of Representatives representing the 35th Legislative District. He also served as a Commissioner on the Washington State Maritime Bicentennial and the Governor’s Industry Safety Board.
Commissioner Vekich has earned numerous recognitions for his work, legislative, and community service.
Commissioner Vekich earned his A.A. from Grays Harbor Community College and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Puget Sound. He has been married to Marcee Stone-Vekich since 2012 and survives his first wife, Ivy Frost Vekich, who died of breast cancer in 1995. Commissioner Vekich is the father of two children and one stepchild.
Recent News
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Statement of Commissioner Max Vekich on the Introduction of the SHIPS for America Act
Troubled waters. Without maritime security and supply chain reliability, troubled waters are guaranteed on a biblical scale. Safe navigation and freedom of the seas are vital for national and global prosperity which contribute to peace.…
Categories: Max Vekich
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Statement of Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel and Max M. Vekich on the Gemini Cooperation Agreement
The Gemini Cooperation Agreement went into effect on September 9, 2024, by operation of law. The Gemini Agreement is a vessel sharing agreement between two of the largest ocean carriers, Maersk and Hapag Lloyd. During…
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Statement of Commissioner Max Vekich on the Reopening of the Baltimore Harbor Channel
I commend the Francis Scott Key Bridge Response Unified Command team and all those involved in the tireless efforts to fully reopen the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in the Port of Baltimore. The progress made…
Categories: Max Vekich
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Opening Statement of Commissioner Max Vekich at Informal Hearing of the Federal Maritime Commission Examining Impacts to Shipping Resulting from Current Conditions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Regions
I would like to commend the carriers for prioritizing mariner safety during this most difficult time. We recognize the difficulties – the stress to the individual mariners, vessel owners and to the supply chain created…
Categories: Max Vekich
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Statement of Commissioner Vekich on Reform of FMC’s Internal Enforcement Procedures
Commissioner Max Vekich today issued the following statement: “On Monday, April 17, 2023, the Federal Maritime Commission issued a direct final rule revising its internal enforcement procedures by delegating authority to the Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations and…
Categories: Max Vekich
Upcoming Commissioner Appearances
Commissioner Vekich has no upcoming appearances.
Past Commissioner Appearances
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Commissioner Vekich Providing Keynote at NAWE Annual Meeting 2024
November 14, 2024 | San Juan, Puerto Rico Commissioner Max Vekich will provide the luncheon keynote address at the National Association of Waterfront Employers’ (NAWE) Annual Meeting. Full details about the event, including agenda and…
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Commissioner Vekich Speaking at AAPA Annual Convention
October 29, 2024 | Boston, MA Commissioner Max Vekich will be a speaker on the “The Future of Port Digitalization: Next steps in process at US Ports” panel being held as part of the 2024…
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Commissioner Vekich Appearing at New York Maritime Security Conference
October 10, 2024 | New York, NY Commissioner Max Vekich is participating on the “Supply Chain Challenges” panel being held as part of the New York Maritime Security Conference 2024. The conference is hosted by…
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Commissioner Vekich Speaking to Agricultural Exporters Group About Global Transportation Issues
July 11, 2024 | McLean, VA Commissioner Max Vekich will participate on a panel entitled “A Global Look at Transportation Issues”, that is being held as part of the United States Agricultural Export Development Council…