VanBrakle to retire from FMC

VanBrakle to retire from FMC Bryant VanBrakle, secretary of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, will retire, effective Dec. 3.
   VanBrakle started his career with the agency’s General Counsel office in 1970 after graduating from Howard University Law School. He served with the Air Force’s Judge Advocate General from 1971 to 1975, returning to the FMC thereafter.

Bryant VanBrakle

   VanBrakle worked for the FMC’s General Counsel for 12 years before taking over the agency’s tariff management activities. He and his staff were credited with making the FMC one of the first automated small independent agencies within the federal government with the launch of the Automated Tariff Filing and Information (ATFI) System in February 1992.
   In February 1999 VanBrakle became head of the FMC’s Office of the Secretary, which serves as the gatekeeper on all matters before the agency’s five politically appointed commissioners.
   During his career, VanBrakle worked with many Washington attorneys representing the liner carriers, freight forwarders, non-vessel-operating common carriers, and maritime industry associations.
   VanBrakle told American Shipper that while it’s “been a good ride,” he’s looking forward to retirement. He and his wife, Tina, who retires from the Federal Elections Commission in early January, plan to travel and spend time with family.