U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg has been named acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the department announced on Thursday.
Trottenberg, a former New York City transportation commissioner, will take over Acting FAA administrator Billy Nolen, who succeeded Steve Dickson, who resigned in February 2022 after two and have years in the role. Dickson's resignation came amid criticism of the FAA's handling of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which was grounded for nearly two years after two fatal crashes.
In a statement, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Trottenberg is "a proven leader with a deep understanding of transportation policy and the challenges facing our nation's aviation system." "I am confident that she will provide the strong leadership and steady hand that the FAA needs during this time of transition," Buttigieg said.
Trottenberg, 54, is a lawyer and transportation expert who has served in a number of government roles. She was New York City's transportation commissioner from 2014 to 2017, and she previously served as the city's deputy mayor for transportation. She is also a member of the National Transportation Safety Board and the board of directors of the American Public Transportation Association. Trottenberg is expected to serve as acting FAA administrator until a permanent replacement is named. Trottenberg will likely face a number of challenges in her new role, including repeated runway incursion, the implementation of new safety regulations, and the transition to new air traffic control technology.
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