Connaughton joins ABS

Connaughton joins ABS

Connaughton

   Sean T. Connaughton, who served as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration from 2006 until his resignation last month at the end of President Bush’s administration, will become the American Bureau of Shipping's corporate vice president for government affairs, effective Feb. 17.
   In this newly created position, Connaughton will act as the society’s primary liaison with national governments at senior levels, establishing and maintaining close working relationships with the principal executive and legislative bodies that influence maritime policy as it relates to safety and classification issues.
   “Governments are playing an increasingly important role in our activities,” said Robert D. Somerville, ABS chairman and chief executive officer. “Having someone with Sean’s intimate knowledge of government operations, diplomatic and legislative skills and experience, and close contacts with the maritime administrations of other nations from his time as the U.S. maritime administrator, will greatly strengthen our ability to work with governments as partners and clients.”
   Connaughton is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, served the U.S. Coast Guard as both a commissioned officer and as a civil servant in the Office of Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection.
   After gaining a master’s degree, he joined the American Petroleum Institute, representing companies involved in the energy and marine transportation industries, during which time he also gained a law degree from George Mason University.
   As a lawyer, in private practice and six years in the transportation practice of Troutman Sanders LLP, he has specialized in maritime and international law and has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court.