Louis E. Sola

Sola was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised in Goodland, Indiana, and the Panama Canal Zone. He received an A.A. in History from Parkland College, where he addressed the 2022 commencement ceremony as the Distinguished Alumni.{{Cite web |title=Distinguished Alumnus |url=https://www.parkland.edu/Audience/Foundation-Alumni/Alumni-Association/Distinguished-Alumnus |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=www.parkland.edu}} He received a B.S. in Management from the Nova Southeastern University in 1996; and a M.S. in International Finance from the University of Illinois in 1998. He is a two-time graduate (in Spanish and German) of the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center, located at the Presidio of Monterey, CA.{{cite web |title=Louis E. Sola |url=https://www.fmc.gov/commissioners/louis-e-sola/ |access-date=1 July 2019 |website=Federal Maritime Commission}}

Sola was previously appointed by then-Governor Rick Scott to serve on the Florida Board of Pilots Commissioners where he was responsible for licensing and regulating harbor pilots. He also served on the probable cause panel for maritime incidents.{{cite web |title=Louis Sola |url=https://flsenate.gov/Session/ExecutiveAppointments/Show/2016/5147 |access-date=1 July 2019 |website=The Florida Senate}} Previously, he was a Sales Executive with Camper & Nicholsons (Fincantieri), Northrop Grumman, and Azimut Benetti. He is a licensed International Ship and Yacht Broker who has constructed over 125 new yachts and ships and is the founder of Evermarine, a Miami based mega yacht brokerage company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.northropandjohnson.com/brokerage-new-build/sales-broker-lou-sola-joins-northrop-and-johnson-6015/|title=Sales Broker Lou Sola Joins Northrop & Johnson|date=2019-02-14|website=Northrop & Johnson|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-12}} Additionally, he served as an adjunct professor at Florida State University.

Sola also worked as a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank during the United States handover of the Panama Canal.{{Cite web |title=Reception and Dinner for Trump Victory Fund (R) |url=http://politicalpartytime.org/party/41848/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Political Party Time |language=en}}

Sola served as a Strategic Debriefer for the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command in Munich, Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall by strategically debriefing refugees from Eastern Europe. Subsequently, he served in Counterintelligence and Counter Narcotics missions in Panama with the United States Southern Command, commanded by future Drug Czar General Barry McCaffrey, during the War on Drugs and the fall of Pablo Escobar. Sola earned the US Army Parachutist Badge (Airborne) and was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for his efforts during the 1994 Cuban rafter crisis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/7a50edce-be11-4b7b-9214-81d9dc7f321f/BE88190C6F0C78E7734682771B2F2C9E.l.-sola-commerce-questionnaire-redacted-11.26.18.pdf|title=sola-commerce-questionnaire-redacted|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}} His accounts of the resilience of the Cuban people where latter recounted in the Financial Times.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cubanet.org/htdocs/CNews/y01/nov01/08e4.htm|title=Cuba News / Noticias - CubaNet News|last=sources|first=Independent Cuban journalist and other media|website=www.cubanet.org|language=ES|access-date=2019-09-12}} Sola has honored his grandfather on numerous occasions for his service and sacrifice during World War II and his encouragement for him to enlist in the US Army.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-08 |title=Statement of Commissioner Louis E. Sola on Veterans Day 2024 |url=https://www.fmc.gov/ftdo/statement-of-commissioner-louis-e-sola-on-veterans-day-2024/#:~:text=Today,%20we%20honor%20the%20men,have%20made%20for%20our%20country. |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Federal Maritime Commission |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=When I hear the National Anthem |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-i-hear-national-athem-louis-sola/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}

Sola previously ran for the United States House of Representatives seat for {{ushr|Florida|24}} as a Republican political candidate against Democratic Representative Frederica Wilson.{{cite web|url=https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/fecimg/?H8FL24059|title=Louis Sola Ernest|website=Federal Election Commission|access-date=1 July 2019}} Both candidates were removed from the ballot which was cited as a factor that led to the 2018 U.S. Florida Senate election recount.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/nightmare-florida-ii-odd-ballot-could-cost-sen-nelson-race-n934836|title='Nightmare in Florida II': The odd ballot that could cost Sen. Nelson the race|website=NBC News|date=12 November 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-09-02}} Sola has publicly stated he will not run for Florida's 26th congressional district in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fmcs-shipper-commissioner|title=FMC's shipper commissioner|date=2019-07-22|website=FreightWaves|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-02}} Sola would have been one of the wealthiest members of the United States Congress according to his financial public disclosure.{{Cite web |title=Financial Disclosure |url=https://disclosures-clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial-pdfs/2017/10016060.pdf}} Sola has been featured in the media as a conservative donor and as an early supporter of Donald Trump in 2016.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-01 |title=Donald Trump's supporters in South Florida kick in cash for his re-election |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2017/08/01/donald-trumps-supporters-in-south-florida-kick-in-cash-for-his-re-election/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Read Why These 100 Business Leaders Want Trump for President |url=https://fortune.com/2016/10/17/donald-trump-peter-thiel-carl-icahn/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Fortune |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2017-02-01 |title=Small business CEO: Trump reminds me of a "NY version" of Reagan |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/small-business-ceo-donald-trump-ronald-reagan-215626032.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |last=OpenSecrets.org |title=Reception and Dinner for Trump Victory Fund (R, ) |url=http://politicalpartytime.org/party/41848/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Political Party Time |language=en}} Sola is a strong advocate of America First policy and has endorsed Donald Trump for President in 2020 and in 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-10 |title=Election Is Over? Donald Trump's Odds Soar to 'Whopping 9.4% Against Kamala Harris : Photo Louis Sola endorsed Donald Trump |url=https://econotimes.com/Election-Is-Over-Donald-Trumps-Odds-Soar-to-Whopping-94-Against-Kamala-Harris-Experts-Say-The-Comeback-We-Never-Expected-1690193 |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=EconoTimes |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=When I hear the National Anthem |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-i-hear-national-athem-louis-sola/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}

On April 30, 2020, the Federal Maritime Commission appointed Commissioner Sola to lead "Fact Finding 30," a federal fact-finding investigation on the impacts of COVID-19 on the cruise industry.{{Cite news|last=Strassel|first=Kimberley A.|date=2021-04-15|title=Opinion {{!}} Cruise Ships in the CDC Dock|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-ships-in-the-cdc-dock-11618526805|access-date=2021-08-30|issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fmc.gov/fact-finding-30/ |title=Fact Finding 30|date=2020|website=fmc.gov|language=en-US|access-date=2020-10-10}} This investigation focused on cruise line performance, ticket refund policy, and the economic impacts of the CDC No Sail Order.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2020/07/29/cruise-refund-challenges-abound-fmc-report-recommends-changes/5528121002/ |title=Cruise passengers struggle refunds amid the pandemic; federal agency report recommends changes|date=2020-07-29|website=usatoday.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-10-10}} Sola recommended an "urgent need for ships to start sailing again" due to the economic impacts on the nation's ports, local governments, and small businesses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/finance/urgent-need-ships-start-sailing-again-fmc-report-florida |title='Urgent need for ships to start sailing again': FMC report on Florida|date=2020-09-23|website=seatrade-cruise.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-10-10}}

On March 25, 2021, Sola published his "cruise-forward" plan for resumption of cruising focusing upon shore side, crew and passenger vaccinations, while at the same time calling on President Joe Biden to donate vaccines with Caribbean and Central American cruise ports.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-25|title=CDC tepid on CLIA request, but meantime FMC's Sola has a plan|url=https://www.marinelog.com/shipping/cruising/cdc-tepid-on-clia-request-but-meantime-fmcs-sola-has-a-plan/|access-date=2021-06-19|website=Marine Log|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-05-19|title=FMC's Sola asks US to share vaccines with Caribbean, Central American cruise ports|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/environmental-health/fmcs-sola-asks-us-share-vaccines-caribbean-central-american-cruise-ports|access-date=2021-06-19|website=seatrade-cruise.com|language=en}} Due to the Canadian ban on cruise ships through 2022,{{Cite web|title=Canada Extends Ban on Cruise Ships Until at Least 2022|url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruises/canada-bans-cruise-ships-until-2022|access-date=2021-06-19|website=Travel + Leisure|language=en}} Sola called for modification of the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 that require cruise ships to stop at a foreign port before calling again on a US port, that eventually became the Alaska Tourism Act.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-11|title=FMC's Sola calls for limited PVSA exemption, diplomatic action to help Alaska|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/people-opinions/fmcs-sola-calls-limited-pvsa-exemption-diplomatic-action-help-alaska|access-date=2021-06-19|website=seatrade-cruise.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Hines|first=Morgan|title=President Biden signs Alaska tourism act to allow cruise ships to visit the state this year|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2021/05/24/cruise-ships-bill-biden-alaska/7417266002/|access-date=2021-06-19|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}

Sola also proposed federal consumer protection rule changes to standardize refund practices in the cruise industry in order to protect passengers from cancellations.{{Cite web|last=LaRocco|first=Lori Ann|date=2021-08-23|title=Federal Maritime Commissioner Sola says agency will weigh in on cruise line refunds soon|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/23/maritime-commission-to-weigh-in-on-cruise-line-refunds-soon-sola-says.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=CNBC|language=en}} In an interview with CNBC concerning cruise line mandates for passengers to have COVID-19 vaccinations before boarding, Sola stated, “I feel much safer on a cruise ship than I do flying."{{Cite web|last=Parkinson|first=Bruce|date=2021-08-24|title='Safer Than Flying' Says Federal Maritime Commissioner on Cruising|url=https://cruiseradio.net/safer-than-flying-says-federal-maritime-commissioner-on-cruising/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=Cruise Radio – Daily Updates On The Cruise Industry|language=en-US}} Commissioner Sola dedicated his Seatrade Outstanding Achievement Award to seafarers and crew members, saying 'Without them, we wouldn't be here.'{{Cite web|date=2021-09-28|title=Seatrade Cruise Awards winners announced|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/seatrade-cruise-awards-winners-announced|access-date=2021-10-05|website=seatrade-cruise.com|language=en}}

Following COVID-19, Sola has applied his extensive experience in international trade to the work of the Commission in meeting its mandate of ensuring a competitive and reliable supply chain focused on promoting U.S. exports through Office Of The United States Trade Representative and the Export–Import Bank of the United States.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-03 |title=Commissioner Sola Speaks at Global Commerce Exchange in Miami |url=https://www.fmc.gov/ftdo/commissioner-sola-speaks-at-global-commerce-exchange-in-miami/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Federal Maritime Commission |language=en-US}} His 2024 renomination was publicly supported by 73 different trade, agriculture and transportation industry groups.{{Cite web |title=ACSA Supports Reconfirmation of FMC Commissioners Bentzel & Sola – The Seam |url=https://www.theseam.com/acsa-supports-reconfirmation-of-fmc-commissioners-bentzel-sola/ |access-date=2024-11-23 |language=en-US}}

Sola has been active advocating for the reduction of Green House Gases in maritime transport through greater efficiency and the use of alternate marine fuels in international trade by reaching out to stakeholders and government to form an "Alternate Marine Fuels Challenge" to reduce emissions.{{Cite web |title=Commissioner Sola Meets with Senior Leadership of MSC and CMA to Discuss Environmental Issues - Federal Maritime Commission |url=https://www.fmc.gov/commissioner-sola-meets-with-senior-leadership-of-msc-and-cma-to-discuss-environmental-issues/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=www.fmc.gov}} In an open letter to US President Joe Biden, Federal Maritime Commissioner Louis Sola has called for the private sector to form an alternative marine fuel coalition ‘to determine the appropriate standards and benchmarks for seeking progress in decarbonization’, which should also receive government financial support.{{Cite web |last=Bankes-Hughes |first=Lesley |date=2023-11-09 |title=FMC's Sola calls for a new alternative fuels coalition |url=https://www.bunkerspot.com/americas/60437-americas-fmc-s-sola-calls-for-a-new-alternative-fuels-coalition |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Bunkerspot - Independent Intelligence for the Global Bunker Industry |language=en-GB}}

In December 2024, Sola decried Spain's ban on US ships carrying aid to Israel, stating that it is "a violation of the law, and could result in substantial offsetting fines on Spanish-flag vessels, limitations on cargo carried between Spain and the United States, and other remedial actions within the commission’s discretion." Sola also said that "Disruptions to international trade systems not only threaten global shipping networks, but also compromise the consumer markets they support."{{cite web | last=Algemeiner | first=The | title=US Far-Left Lawmakers Call for End of Probe Into Spain for Barring Ships Bringing Arms to Israel | website=Algemeiner.com | date=2024-12-24 | url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2024/12/24/us-far-left-lawmakers-call-end-probe-spain-barring-ships-bringing-arms-israel/ | access-date=2025-02-06}}{{cite web | title=Estados Unidos amenaza al Gobierno de Sánchez por no permitir que barcos en dirección a Israel atraquen en Algeciras | website=Vozpópuli | date=2024-12-21 | url=https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/estados-unidos-espana-embarcaciones-gobierno-sanchez.html | language=es | access-date=2025-02-06}}{{Cite web |last=Algemeiner |first=The |date=2024-12-24 |title=US Far-Left Lawmakers Call for End of Probe Into Spain for Barring Ships Bringing Arms to Israel - Algemeiner.com |url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2024/12/24/us-far-left-lawmakers-call-end-probe-spain-barring-ships-bringing-arms-israel/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.algemeiner.com |language=en-US}}

President Joe Biden renominated Sola to the Federal Maritime Commission on July 11, 2024 and sent his nomination to the United States Senate the same day.{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2024 |title=President Biden Announces Nominees |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/11/president-biden-announces-nominees-3/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-07-11 |title=Nominations and Withdrawals Sent to the Senate |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/07/11/nominations-and-withdrawals-sent-to-the-senate-13/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}

On January 20, 2025, Sola was designated Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission by President Donald J. Trump.{{cite web | title=President Trump Designates Chairmen and Acting Chairmen | website=The White House | date=2025-01-20 | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/designation-of-chairmen-and-acting-chairmen/ | access-date=2025-02-06}}

Sola was distinguished by the Panama Canal with the "Esteemed Order Bearers of the Master Key" and appointed him "Honorary Lead Pilot".{{Cite web|date=2022-01-28|title=Commissioner Louis E. Sola Honored with Master Key and Honorary Lead Pilot – Federal Maritime Commission|url=https://directsourcenews.org/2022/01/28/commissioner-louis-e-sola-honored-with-master-key-and-honorary-lead-pilot-federal-maritime-commission/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Direct Source News|language=en-US}} In addition, he was bestowed the 2021 Seatrade Cruise Man of the Year for his work supporting seafarers during the Covid 19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=Seatrade Cruise Awards winners announced {{!}} Shorex.org|url=https://shorex.org/cruise-industry-news/seatrade-cruise-awards-winners-announced/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=shorex.org}}

Commissioner Sola was honored by Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners in recognition of his lifelong commitment to public service and promoting vaccines for non-US crew members during the Covid-19 pandemic by receiving the Keys to the County and proclaimed June 18, 2024 as Commissioner Louis E. Sola Day.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-28 |title=Commissioner Sola Honored by Miami-Dade County |url=https://www.fmc.gov/ftdo/commissioner-sola-honored-by-miami-dade-county/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Federal Maritime Commission |language=en-US}}

• Daniel B. Maffei
• Federal Maritime Commission
• United States Federal Maritime Board

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Category:1968 births

Category:University of Illinois alumni

Category:Federal Maritime Commission members

Category:Living people

Category:Florida Republicans

Category:Politicians from Chicago

Category:Politicians from Miami

Category:American people of Spanish-Jewish descent

Category:American people of Italian descent

Category:Hispanic and Latino American people

Category:American people of Spanish descent

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Category:People from Miami-Dade County, Florida

Category:Military personnel from Florida

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Category:Candidates in the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections