FMCSA's Administrator Hutcheson Stepping Down

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the departure of Administrator Robin Hutcheson.

Hutcheson, who joined the Biden-Harris Administration in Jan. 2021, will depart the agency on Jan. 26. Sue Lawless, FMCSA Executive Director and Chief Safety Officer, will serve as Acting Deputy Administrator and lead the agency.

Hutcheson’s FMCSA Tenure

Hutcheson ends her three-year tenure in the Biden-Harris Administration, serving first as the deputy assistant secretary for safety policy within the Office of the Secretary and then as the administrator of the FMCSA after first being named acting administrator in January 2022.

Her milestone 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.

As FMCSA Administrator, Hutcheson focused on the safety of commercial motor vehicle drivers to improve safety outcomes and strengthen the supply chain. She 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 across the industry.

Hutcheson was also a fierce champion for women in the transportation industry and a committed partner to stakeholders.

“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. “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.”

Prior FMCSA Impact

Prior to being appointed to the Biden-Harris Administration, Hutcheson was the director, public works, for the City of Minneapolis, overseeing a team of 1,100 people across nine divisions, including drinking water, surface waters and sewers, solid waste and recycling, fleet management, and all transportation functions.

Prior to her appointment in Minneapolis, she served as the Transportation Director for Salt Lake City, working to improve all modes of transportation.

She also has served as a consultant specializing in transportation and transit and has worked throughout the western U.S., London, and France, as well as for the European Union Commission on Sustainability.