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, supercargo, and union officer with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). 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 chaired the Washington State House Agriculture Committee from 1985-1987, the Washington State House Trade and Economic Development Committee from 1987-1989, and the Washington State House Commerce and Labor Committee from 1989-1991. He also served as a Commissioner on the Washington State Maritime Bicentennial and the Governor’s Industrial Safety Board.
Commissioner Vekich has earned numerous recognitions for his previous work, including legislative and community service initiatives.
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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Commissioner Vekich Addressed the National Defense Transportation Association
On June 11, 2025, Commissioner Max Vekich addressed the National Defense Transportation Association’s Surface Force Projection Conference at Christopher Newport University in Norfolk, VA. Commissioner Vekich provided insight into the role of the Federal Maritime…
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Commissioners Maffei and Vekich Visit Philadelphia Maritime Infrastructure Sites
Federal Maritime Commissioners Daniel Maffei and Max Vekich traveled to Philadelphia in late May to see how the Hanwha Philly Shipyard and the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) are making important contributions to the Pennsylvania economy…
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Chairman Sola and Commissioner Vekich attend The Marine Society of the City of New York’s 255th Annual Dinner
Chairman Louis E. Sola and Commissioner Max Vekich attended The Marine Society of the City of New York’s 255th Annual Dinner held in Manhattan on March 27, 2025. The event honored C. James Patti, President…
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Commissioner Vekich Attends TPM25
Commissioner Max Vekich attended the Journal of Commerce’s TPM25 conference, held March 2-6, 2025, in Long Beach, CA. During his trip, Commissioner Vekich met with key executives from ocean carriers, marine terminal operating companies, non-vessel-operating…
Categories: Max Vekich
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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
Upcoming Commissioner Appearances
Commissioner Vekich has no upcoming appearances.
Past Commissioner Appearances
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Commissioner Vekich Speaking to Defense Transportation Association
June 10, 2025 | Newport News, VA Commissioner Max Vekich will deliver an address to attendees of the Surface Force Projection Conference a joint presentation of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and Christopher Newport…
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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…