Heidi King, the deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), has been chosen by President Trump to lead the NHTSA.
Her nomination is subject to Senate approval.
The NHTSA focuses on issues including autonomous vehicles and air bag recalls. Its former director, Mark Rosekind, left prior to President Trump's January 2017 inauguration.
Ms. King previously worked for the General Electric Company and for the House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee.
In a statement, the Governors Highway Safety Association (“GHSA”), a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, said that it was “delighted” by the administration's choice of Ms. King.
“In her current role, Deputy Administrator King has already demonstrated a strong commitment to advance NHTSA's safety mission, focus on the most pressing traffic safety challenges, and reinforce NHTSA's partnership with the states to combat deaths and injuries on our roads.” The GHSA added, “With highway deaths on the rise in recent years, Deputy Administrator King's appointment will fill a critical role at NHTSA. GHSA looks forward to further collaborating with her to improve NHTSA's grant programs and reduce administrative burdens for states. We urge swift Senate confirmation.”