F3 | Fireside Chat: Maritime Infrastructure and Governance

Louis E. Sola is a Partner at Thorn Run Partners, one of Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan consulting and lobbying firms. He brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of government, trade, and maritime policy, serving both in senior federal roles and the private sector.

Mr. Sola was appointed by President Donald J. Trump as a Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission in 2018, unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and later designated as Chairman of the Commission. In that role, he oversaw the regulation of more than $5 trillion in annual trade, leading investigations into global supply chain disruptions, LNG infrastructure, and maritime sustainability. He worked closely with the Senate Commerce and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committees, advancing reforms to strengthen U.S. trade policy and negotiating carve-outs that benefited small and agricultural exporters.

As Chairman, Mr. Sola was a key U.S. voice on international shipping and trade, testifying before Congress and engaging with foreign governments to address crises and secure U.S. strategic interests. He led efforts to counter foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly China’s Belt and Road expansion in ports and shipping, while advocating for U.S. energy dominance through LNG exports and maritime infrastructure.

In addition to his federal service, Mr. Sola served as a Florida State Commissioner and founded Evermarine, a Miami-based yacht and ship brokerage representing international shipyards, including Benetti. He has advised U.S. and international companies on port, logistics, and infrastructure investments throughout the Americas, including strategic projects in Panama and the Caribbean.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Sola served in counterintelligence operations in post–Cold War Germany, the 1994 Cuban refugee crisis, and counter-narcotics missions in Panama. His military and public service background continues to inform his work on national security, trade, and infrastructure strategy.

Mr. Sola earned a Master’s degree in International Finance and Accounting from the University of Illinois and completed executive education at Yale Business School. He resides in Miami, Florida.

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