<p>CONNAUGHTON CONFIRMED AS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR
The Senate has approved the nomination of Sean Connaughton to be the next
Maritime Administrator. The voice vote that occurred on Thursday night
confirms Connaughton to the position that has been filled in an interim
capacity since Capt. William Schubert stepped down from the post in February
2005. Deputy Maritime Administrator John Jamian served as Acting
Administrator for over a year followed by Counsel Julie Nelson who has led
the agency since May. </p>
<p>Earlier this week, the Senate Commerce Committee approved the Connaughton
nomination along with eight others to the full Senate. Senator Ted Stevens
(R-AK) had vowed to steer the nomination to a Senate vote before the upper
chamber began its summer break and he made good on that promise. The Senate
begins its recess this weekend. </p>
<p>Connaughton is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ('83). He
served on active Coast Guard duty from 1983 to 1986. A lawyer, Connaughton
also most recently served on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors
in Virginia as Chairman At-Large.</p>