STEVEN R. BLUST was the Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission until 2006. Chairman Blust was nominated by President Bush to a five year term on the Commission on March 14, 2002, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 1, 2002. Chairman Blust joined the Commission on August 12, 2002.

A 32+ year veteran of the international transportation industry, Steven R. Blust previously held the position of President/CEO of Tampa Bay International Terminals, Inc. His prior experience included executive positions with Lykes Brothers Steamship Co., Inc., and management positions with the Jacksonville Port Authority and Crowley Delta Lines. His experience includes ocean carrier liner trade management, marine terminal management, public port administration, tariff and service contract use and publication, and liner operations.

Mr. Blust graduated, in 1971, from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, and received a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University, in New Orleans, in 1979.
Mr. Blust received the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Meritorious Alumni Service Award in 1991; the Propeller Club of the United States, Maritime Person of the Year, Port of Tampa, award in 2002; and the New York/New Jersey Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association Person of the Year award in 2004.

As an active member of trade associations, Mr. Blust previously served as President of the Tampa Bay Cargo Association, Vice President of the Tampa Chapter of the Propeller Club, and was a member of the International Advisory Committees of Enterprise Florida, Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Hillsborough County Community College. He also was involved in local Tulane and Merchant Marine Academy Alumni associations. 

Mr. Blust and his wife, Sharon, have a son, Kristian.