(WASHINGTON) (April 10) — The American Maritime Congress (AMC), a nonprofit organization representing the U.S. maritime industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of James E. Caponiti as president. Caponiti joined AMC as executive director in October 2011 upon the completion of more than 38 years of distinguished service with the federal government. Caponiti's appointment as president was effective on March 12, 2014. In that capacity, he oversees AMC business affairs, promotes its message on behalf of the United States maritime industry, and manages its daily operations.
"We are fortunate to have someone with the depth of experience on maritime issues that Mr. Caponiti has amassed over a long career in government and during his recent tenure with AMC," said Marshall Ainley, AMC board chairman and president of Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA). "Throughout his service to our industry, Jim has been committed to strengthening the U.S. Merchant Marine to maintain the viability of maritime jobs while promoting the economic and national security of the United States."
Caponiti enjoys a wealth of maritime experience stemming from more than three decades with the Maritime Administration (MarAd), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which culminated in his role as the senior career executive at MarAd. His expertise spans most of the agency's promotional programs supporting the U.S.-flag industry, and most significantly he was responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and its companion program the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). Caponiti earned numerous medals and honors throughout his career at MarAd, including the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award and the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, the highest civil service awards for senior executives.
"As AMC president, Caponiti will continue his strong advocacy for U.S.-flag shipping," commented AMC Board Vice Chairman R. Christian Johnsen. "Jim's resourcefulness coupled with his unique background forging strategic partnerships to develop solutions will assist our industry to address the many challenges it faces today."
About the American Maritime Congress
Founded in 1977, American Maritime Congress is a nonprofit, non-partisan educational and research organization dedicated to informing the public, the media, and our legislators in Washington on the issues and policies affecting the U.S.-flag merchant marine and maritime industry. For more than 35 years, AMC has delivered its message of "ships and jobs" in our nation's capital. Whether for our ships sailing internationally or for our Jones Act domestic fleet, AMC is a leading advocate for responsible maritime policy, an effective commercially operating fleet to promote our national and economic security, and a level playing field to maintain jobs and to ensure the success and viability of the U.S.-flag maritime industry.
