Michael Khouri has been named the permanent chairman of the US Federal Maritime Commission.
President Donald Trump announced the move Thursday, promoting Khouri to the post that he had been holding in an acting role for the last two years.
"I thank President Trump for his expression of confidence. I believe it reflects support for the great work that the entire [Federal Maritime Commission] team is doing to ensure fair competition and integrity for America’s ocean supply chain," Khouri said in a statement.
The board is responsible for regulating the US's international ocean transportation system.
Khouri, a Kentucky native, joined as a commissioner in January 2010 after nomination from former President Barack Obama.
He started his career as a deckhand, eventually earning master and first class pilot credentials before spending 23 years at American Commercial Lines, where he held several executive-level positions.
Khouri has sat on the boards of Waterways Council and the American Waterways Operators Association.
