President Obama has chosen National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Mark Rosekind to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA).
If confirmed by the Senate, Rosekind will be the highway safety agency’s first full time chief in nearly a year. He has been a member of the NTSB since 2010.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx approved of Obama’s decision, saying it proved he’s committed to improving the highway safety agency.
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officially sets the automobile safety standard for the United States and has a well-earned reputation as the leading agency of its kind in the world,” Foxx said in a statement.
“Mark has shown tremendous dedication to making our roads safer throughout his career and brings direct experience from the National Transportation Safety Board,” Foxx continued. “Mark is a leader ready-made for this critical responsibility and I expect him to hold not only the auto industry accountable, but I also expect him to help us raise the bar on safety ever higher within the U.S. Department of Transportation and among all of our stakeholders.”