Freight News, People, Sea

Harvey Sworn in as Newest FMC Commissioner

[ June 4, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

Robert J. Harvey was sworn in June 1 as the newest commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission, filling a seat on the five-member agency that regulates the U.S. international ocean transportation system.

Harvey, of Florida, was nominated by President Donald Trump in September 2025 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 18. He will serve a term that expires June 30, 2029.

Before joining the FMC, Harvey served as president and executive director of the Florida Opportunity Fund, a nonprofit investment organization supporting Florida-based startup companies in sectors including life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, homeland security and defense.

He also previously served as executive director of the Florida Development Finance Corp., the state’s economic development bond financing agency, and as general counsel for Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization.

Harvey’s background includes private-sector legal practice focused on securities litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters, as well as extensive experience managing public-private economic development initiatives.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Harvey began his maritime career as a lieutenant commander in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he advised on military justice, administrative law, federal law enforcement and naval law matters. He also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.

The FMC welcomed Harvey’s appointment, noting his combination of legal, business and public-sector experience. The commission is responsible for overseeing ocean common carriers, marine terminal operators and ocean transportation intermediaries serving the U.S. foreign trades.

Tags: Federal Maritime Administration