Former Commissioner

Commissioner Michael A. Khouri of Kentucky was nominated by President Barack Obama in December 2009 and was confirmed by the United States Senate in late December 2009. He was nominated to a full term in November 2011 and was re-nominated and confirmed for his current term in June 2016. President Donald Trump designated Commissioner Khouri as Acting Chairman of the Commission on January 23, 2017, and then designated him as Chairman on March 7, 2019. He was succeeded by Chairman Maffei in March 2021.

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

Mr. Khouri began his career as a deck crewman for Crounse Corp., a Paducah, Kentucky-based marine towing company. He worked up in rank from deck crew with service in the engine room and then into the wheelhouse as Pilot and Captain, earning his U.S. Merchant Marine Officer’s License as Master and First Class Pilot on Steam and Motor Vessels. He changed career paths and entered law school, then served for twenty-three years with American Commercial Lines, the largest U.S. inland marine transportation company, holding executive positions including General Counsel & Secretary, Senior Vice President for Law & Corporate Affairs, and Senior Vice President for Transportation Services-marine operations. Mr. Khouri then joined MERS/Economy Boat, serving as President & COO before moving home to Louisville to join the law firm of Pedley & Gordinier.

Mr. Khouri received his B.A. in Economics from Tulane University and his law degree from the Brandeis School of Law-University of Louisville. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.