The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the appointment of retired Rear Adm. Ann Phillips as the 20th administrator of the Maritime Administration.
Philips was confirmed by the Senate May 10 and sworn into office after being nominated by President Joe Biden Oct. 21, 2021, according to a May 16 news release.
“It’s an honor to work alongside the professionals who make up the MARAD team, and, to serve the American people, Secretary Buttigieg and the Biden-Harris administration,” Phillips said in the release “I understand the critical role that our commercial Merchant Marine plays in our national and economic security.
“In my nearly 31-year Navy career, I have witnessed many of the challenges facing our maritime sector and look forward to working with my colleagues to address them,” she added, according to the release. “This is an exciting time for MARAD as we work to expand and strengthen America’s waterborne transportation system and workforce.”
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said Phillips will be an “invaluable member” of the DOT in the implementation of new laws, especially the use of MARAD to strengthen the economic supply chain and combat global warming, according to the release. MARAD will have $2.25 billion in federal funding to be used to strengthen ports and waterways.
Philips will advise Buttigieg and other industry leaders on issues such as "commercial maritime matters, to include the movement of goods, supply chain, as well as the U.S. maritime industry, environment and compliance, ports and waterways infrastructure, and strategic sea lift," the release stated.
