NTSB’s Hersman to Resign, Become President of National Safety Council
National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman will depart next month from the independent federal agency she has led for nearly five years to become president of the National Safety Council, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization.
NSC, based in Itasca, Ill., announced Hersman’s hiring March 11. Hersman confirmed in a blog post that she will depart April 25.
“It has been an honor to be associated with a noble mission that has at times inspired and evoked passion and at other times, been in the crosshairs of controversy, as real change doesn’t come without a cost,” Hersman wrote. “I want to thank President Obama for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility.”
Hersman will succeed Janet Froetscher as council president.
NTSB’s vice chairman is Christopher Hart and he will serve as acting chairman after Hersman’s departure. A permanent replacement would have to be nominated by the president and confirmed by a majority of the Senate.
Hersman was appointed chairman by President Obama in 2009 and reappointed to a third two-year term in 2013. She joined the board as a member in 2004 after being appointed by President George W. Bush.
The NTSB investigates major transportation accidents and makes recommendations on safety policy. It cannot make policies, nor take action against anyone involved in accidents.
