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Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation
Responsibility
Management Scope

In fiscal 2015, FMCSA had an actual budget of $572 million.3 In fiscal 2016, FMCSA had 1,147 full-time nonseasonal employees.4

Primary Responsibilities

• Carries out duties and powers vested in the secretary related to motor carriers or motor carrier safety, and any additional duties and powers prescribed by the secretary
• Consults with the federal highway administrator and with the national highway traffic safety administrator on matters related to highway and motor carrier safety (49 U.S.C. § 113)
• Represents the department and advises the secretary in all matters relating to the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles and commercial passenger vehicles; the movement of hazardous materials; and the coordination of the movement and safety of commercial motor and passenger vehicles with other modes of transportation
• Determines and establishes FMCSA program policies, objectives and priorities, and evaluates accomplishment of FMCSA missions
• Exercises overall direction, control and evaluation of headquarters and field organizations, program activities and performance, and directs the development of, and approves, broad legislative, budgetary, fiscal and program proposals and plans5

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• Professional experience in motor carrier safety (49 U.S.C. § 113)
• Experience to manage a large organization, deploying complex programs to a diverse population

Competencies

• Passion for safety
• Strength to lead on tough issues
• Willingness to listen to all sides
• Track record of collaborating
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent leadership skills
• Ability to work under high pressure and handle sensitive matters
• Energy for frequent travel
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a matrixed environment
• Ability to work across party lines

Past Appointments
  • T. F. Scott Darling III (2016): Acting Administrator of FMCSA; Chief Counsel of FMCSA; Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant General Counsel at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority6
  • Anne S. Ferro (2009 to 2014): President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Motor Truck Association; State of Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Associate Administrator and Administrator; Fiscal Counsel to the Maryland General Assembly7
  • John H. Hill (2006 to 2009): Assistant Administrator/Chief Safety Officer, FMCSA; Commander, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Indiana State Police; Field Enforcement Commander, Indiana State Police8
AGENCY

Department of Transportation

Mission: To ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future

COMPENSATION

Level III $165,300 (5 U.S.C. § 5314)2

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Transportation (49 U.S.C. § 113)

SENATE COMMITTEE

Commerce, Science and Transportation

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Footnote
  1. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/about-us
  2. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.
  3. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT_BH2017_508%5B2%5D.pdf
  4. Partnership for Public Service Analysis of Fedscope
  5. OPM
  6. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/leadership/administrator-0
  7. http://www.aamva.org/Anne-Ferro-Bio/
  8. Leadership Directories
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