Assistant Administrator and Chief Safety Officer Sue Lawless will reportedly step in for outgoing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Robin Hutcheson, who recently and unexpectedly announced she would leave her post as Administrator on Jan. 26.
“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,” FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson reportedly said. “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.”
Before Hutcheson was confirmed as the agency’s leader by a unanimous consent vote by the U.S. Senate, the FMCSA struggled mightily to fill the post. Appointment in September 2022, the FMCSA hadn’t had a tenured Administrator in more than three years. In January 2022, she took over as acting administrator after Meera Joshi surprisingly left the federal agency to take a position in New York City, working for then-newly elected Mayor Eric Adams.
Few seem to be talking about the persistent leadership void at the FMCSA. After Ray Martinez stepped down in October 2019, three “acting” administrators held down the position, without earning confirmation. Although Hutcheson drew praise from trucking industry leaders such as American Trucking Associations president and CEO Chris Spear, she lasted only about 16 months. Lawless was appointed in September 2023 after working on and off for the FMCSA.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Sue in this position at FMCSA. Her experience in the industry and her years of service at FMCSA will ensure the agency is well-positioned to continue its safety mission,” Hutcheson reportedly said when promoting Lawless. “Sue is a smart, savvy, steadfast strategist who can hit the ground running on FMCSA’s priorities, and I look forward to working with her in this role.”
Joining the FMCSA in 2001, she served as Director of FMCSA’s Motor Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Standards Division. Like Hutcheson and so many others, she left for the private sector. Lawless earned a partnership with a law firm focusing on trucking sector companies, including motor carriers, motor carrier drivers, and various transportation businesses.
Returning to the FMCSA in 2010, Lawless brought her legal acumen to the agency as Assistant Chief Counsel, among other roles. Her background could serve her well as the agency moves forward with controversial policies such as truck speed limiters.
Sources:
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fmcsa-hutcheson-leaving
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/statement-departure-administrator-robin-hutcheson
Its no wonder FMCSA is so screwed up.Its Democratic appointees ,and all they know is how to control.FMCSA needs a seasoned Truck Driver thats had at least 20 yrs experience, instead of sabotaging the organization,build it up with trust from truck drivers,not dominate and control truck drivers.