FMCSA Leader Robin Hutcheson Is Leaving Agency

Hutcheson was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as FMCSA administrator in September 2022. (Noël Fletcher/Transport Topics)

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

Robin Hutcheson will step down as leader of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Jan. 26, the agency said Jan. 19.

Hutcheson, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as FMCSA administrator in September 2022, said it was a “profound honor” to serve the Biden-Harris administration, and listed developing key components of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and securing billions of dollars for various programs as her top accomplishments.

Hutcheson also cited the work her team did that “focused on the safety of commercial motor vehicle drivers to improve safety outcomes and strengthen the supply chain” as accomplishments.

Hutcheson first held the FMCSA post of deputy assistant secretary for safety policy within the Office of the Secretary before elevating to the agency’s top job. With her departure, the agency’s Executive Director and Chief Safety Officer Sue Lawless will serve as acting deputy administrator and lead the agency.

Image

Lawless 

Hutcheson also thanked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. FMCSA is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“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,” she said.

American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear said in a statement, "Administrator Hutcheson led FMCSA through a critical time as the pandemic, natural disasters, workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions challenged the freight economy in ways never seen before. America’s trucking industry is the heartbeat of this nation, and we depend on partners in government like Administrator Hutcheson who value data and stakeholder input to meet real-world needs and ensure the safe movement of freight across our nation’s highways. We applaud her communication, transparency and commitment to ATA and our members, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Before joining the administration, Hutcheson had served as the transportation director of Salt Lake City and as director of public works for the City of Minneapolis.

Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info: