The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration today announced the departure of Administrator Robin Hutcheson. Hutcheson, who joined the Biden-Harris administration in January 2021, will depart the agency Jan. 26.
She’s leaving after 16 months on the job. She was confirmed as FMCSA Administrator in October 2022. Her departure comes in the same month that Earl Adams Jr., FMCSA Deputy Administrator, resigned less than a year after he was sworn in.
Sue Lawless, FMCSA Executive Director and Chief Safety Officer, will serve as Acting Deputy Administrator and lead the agency.
Hutcheson began her three-year tenure in the Biden-Harris administration as the deputy assistant secretary for safety policy before becoming the administrator of the FMCSA. A statement from the FMCSA announcing Hutcheson’ departure said her achievements include combatting the COVID-19 pandemic on air and ground transportation, leading the development of the National Roadway Safety Strategy, developing key components of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and helping to secure billions in funding, including for the Safe Streets for All program.
“It has been the most profound honor to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration, and I am grateful to President Biden for appointing me to these roles,” said Hutcheson in a statement announcing her departure.
“I thank Secretary Buttigieg for his leadership and confidence and recognize the dedicated team of professionals at the Department of Transportation who work hand in hand with industry partners to serve the American people and keep our country moving forward.”
The FMCSA statement said Hutcheson took numerous regulatory actions to enhance roadway safety, improve quality of life for drivers, leverage technology and innovation to improve safety, increase the impact of FMCSA grant dollars in communities across the country, and promote transparency. It also said she was a champion for women in the transportation industry.
