Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration boss to step down next week for unknown reasons

Officials say that the current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration boss will leave her position next week.

In a statement released on Friday, January 19, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the departure of Robin Hutcheson from her role as the agency’s full-time Administrator, effective January 26.

The FMCSA did not provide any information on why Hutcheson is stepping down.

Sue Lawless will take on the role of FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator after Hutcheson departs.

Hutcheson took on the role of FMCSA administrator in September 2022. Before that, she filled the role of Acting Administrator starting in January 2022 after Meera Joshi resigned.

The FMCSA highlighted Hutcheson’s focus on women and safety during her tenure as the leader of the agency:

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 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,” noted 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.