Max Vekich

Max M. Vekich (born 1954)^[1] is an American politician and labor leader who serves as a commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission. A member of the Democratic Party, Vekich previously served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991.^[2]

Max Vekich
Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission
Incumbent
Assumed office February 15, 2022
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Michael A. Khouri
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 35th district
In office January 10, 1983 – January 14, 1991
Preceded by	Eugene V. Lux
Succeeded by	Tim Sheldon
Personal details
Born	May 22, 1954 Aberdeen, Washington, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Ivy Frost-Vekich ​ (died 1995)​ Marcee Stone-Vekich ​ (m. 2012)​
Children	2, and 1 stepchild as well as 4 grandchildren
Residence(s)	Previously lived in West Seattle, Washington now resides in the state of Maryland U.S.
Education	Grays Harbor College (AA) University of Puget Sound (BA)

Early life and education

Vekich was born and raised in Aberdeen, Washington. He earned an associate degree from Grays Harbor College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from the University of Puget Sound.^[3]

Career

Vekich has previously worked as a longshoreman and labor leader. He was also a member of the Pacific Maritime Association. He served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991 as a Democrat. In 2009, Vekich was an unsuccessful candidate for a seat on the Seattle Port Commission.^[4][5]

Federal Maritime Commission

On June 23, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Vekich to serve as a commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission.^[6][7] Hearings were held before the Senate Commerce Committee on October 20, 2021. The committee favorably reported the nomination to the Senate floor on November 17, 2021. Vekich's nomination expired at the end of the year and was returned to President Biden on January 3, 2022.^[8]

President Biden resent his nomination the following day. The committee favorably reported the nomination on February 2, 2022.^[9] Vekich was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 10, 2022.^[10]

Vekich was sworn into office on February 15, 2022.^[11]

Personal life

Vekich lives in West Seattle with his wife, Marcee Stone-Vekich. He has two adult children from a previous marriage and one stepdaughter from his current wife.^[12][13]