Laura DiBella swears as commissioner at the FMC - Federal Maritime Commission

January 6, 2026 marked a milestone for U.S. maritime leadership as Laura DiBella was sworn in as a commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission.

Laura, a seasoned economic and maritime leader from Florida, brings a wealth of real-world experience to the FMC. She was nominated by President Trump on September 3, 2025, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2025, and officially appointed on January 2, 2026. Her current term would be till June 30, 2028.

Before this, DiBella broke new ground as Florida’s first female Secretary of Commerce and led Enterprise Florida as its President and CEO. Her journey in the maritime sector began in 2017 when she was selected as Port Director for the Port of Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority, then she became the first full-time Executive Director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association which is a 150 year old organization.  

Laura’s academic foundation is a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and Business Administration and Management from the University of Florida, underpinning her strategic and operational expertise.

With her diverse background in multiple fields, Commissioner Laura can contribute well to the FMC and USA.

Image credit – FMC website