Laura DiBella has been sworn in as a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission, making history as Florida's first female Secretary of Commerce. Her confirmation process took four months and started with her nomination by President Trump last September.

DiBella's term will last until June 30, 2028. She was confirmed by the Senate on December 18 and appointed by the President on January 2, 2026. Her confirmation was part of a group vote that also included Stephen Carmel, the new Administrator of the Maritime Administration, after Republicans changed Senate rules to allow multiple confirmations at once.

DiBella comes to the commission with a strong background in the maritime industry. She has held several leadership positions, such as President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Executive Director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, and Port Director at the Port of Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority. Additionally, she works as an attorney at Adams & Reese.

The Commission noted, "Commissioner DiBella brings her knowledge of economic development, business management skills, and experience in the maritime industry to the FMC. We welcome her and look forward to her contributions."

DiBella fills the position left vacant by Louis Sola, whose term ended in June after he announced his resignation. Sola, who was first nominated by President Trump in 2018 and confirmed by the Senate, served as Chairman after Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025.

In his farewell letter, Sola shared, "Serving our Nation in this role has been the honor of a lifetime. I’ve had the opportunity to help maintain the integrity of the U.S. maritime industry, improve transparency in port operations, and oversee a supply chain that moves over $5 trillion in goods each year."

The FMC is made up of five commissioners who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for staggered five-year terms. One commissioner is chosen by the President to serve as Chairman and lead the agency. DiBella was nominated alongside Robert Harvey of Florida, who is set to take over Carl Whitney Bentzel's term expiring on June 30, 2029.

DiBella holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Business Administration and Management from the University of Florida.