FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

COMMISSION ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
OF MANAGING DIRECTOR, EDWARD P. WALSH

Washington, D.C. 20573

NR 00-01

CONTACT: Bryant L. VanBrakle, Secretary at (202) 523-5725.

FOR RELEASE: January 3, 2000

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Harold J. Creel, Jr., today announced that Commission Managing Director Edward P. Walsh retired on December 31, 1999. Chairman Creel appointed Bruce A. Dombrowski to replace Mr. Walsh as Managing Director effective January 1, 2000.

Mr. Walsh served as the Commission's Managing Director for 13 years, after a distinguished career with the U.S. Secret Service. Mr. Walsh worked under seven different Chairmen, each of whom recognized his executive acumen and managerial excellence. He demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career at the Commission, guiding agency staff during periods of significant budgetary constraints and important statutory and program changes. Chairman Creel praised Mr. Walsh for the dedication and excellence he brought to this crucial position:  "Ed Walsh was the longest-running Managing Director in FMC history for good reason. His counsel, advice and perspective were invaluable to numerous Chairmen and Commissioners, while his ability to effectively lead the staff was indispensable to the Commission. He was an outstanding executive whose contributions were integral to the many successes the Commission achieved over the years. I personally want to thank him for the tremendous credit he brought to the agency and for the support and guidance he provided me as Chairman. He will be sorely missed, but the entire agency wishes him well as he begins this next stage of his life."

Bruce Dombrowski assumes the Managing Director's position after having held several senior level positions during his 26-year career with the FMC. Most recently, he has served as Counsel to Chairman Creel since January 1997. Prior to that he was the Commission's Deputy Managing Director for 10 years. Mr. Dombrowski was a key player in the FMC's implementation of both the Shipping Act of 1984 and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998, and has directed a host of important projects during his executive career. Chairman Creel noted:  "Bruce Dombrowski truly is an exceptional Federal executive. He has a long history of outstanding public service -- his pragmatism and keen insights were invaluable to me the last three years. While Ed Walsh's departure leaves a void at the agency, there is no question in my mind that Bruce will step right in and continue the excellent leadership that has come to be expected from the Managing Director's Office. I am confident of Bruce's abilities, and I believe the entire Commission will benefit from the skills and enthusiasm he brings to his new position."

Chairman Creel also announced today that senior attorney David Miles from the Commission's Office of General Counsel has been detailed to serve as Counsel to the Chairman upon Mr. Dombrowski's reassignment. Mr. Miles has been with the Commission since 1978 and has a wide range of experience in the full range of issues facing the Commission. Since 1984 he has served as the Commission's Legislative Counsel and has been closely involved in all aspects of the Commission's legislative program, including serving as the agency's key liaison with Congressional committees in the years leading to enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.