U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta Announces Maritime Deputy Administrator

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced the appointment of John Jamian by President Bush as the Deputy Administrator for the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration.

"John brings a wealth of experience to the Department. His leadership and team building skills will be invaluable in achieving the department’s strategic goals, and will prove to be important assets as we meet the challenge of improving our nation’s maritime transportation systems," said Secretary Mineta. "I welcome him aboard my team." 

Jamian has extensive experience in the maritime industry and international transportation and trade development. During his tenure as a Michigan legislator, which began in 1991, he served as Chairman of the House Task Force Committee on Port and Maritime Affairs. As Executive Director of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, he was instrumental in helping to revive cruise ship tourism on the Great Lakes after a 30-year absence. Additionally, Jamian has worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers on a variety of maritime related projects. He most recently served as Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly of America, the largest Washington-based, nationwide organization promoting public understanding of Armenian issues in America.

Captain Schubert said, "I appreciate John’s background and look forward to working with him. His experience in the port community will make him an excellent addition to the Maritime Administration."

As Deputy Administrator, Jamian will assist in leading the operations of an 850-person agency, which includes 5 region offices and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He will also oversee issues concerning the Great Lakes and inland waterways, deepwater ports, as well as segments of the Marine Transportation System initiative.

Jamian is a graduate of Oakland University. He lives with his wife, Cynthia, and two children in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

The mission of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is to promote the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced United States merchant marine, sufficient to carry the Nation's domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. MARAD also seeks to ensure that the United States enjoys adequate shipbuilding and repair services, efficient ports, effective intermodal water and land transportation systems, and reserve shipping capacity in time of national emergency.

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