Will Become President And CEO Of The National Safety Council

NTSB Chair Deborah A. P. Hersman is stepping down from her position. The announcement came in a brief statement posted Tuesday on the NTSB website.

"On behalf of my fellow Board members and the men and women of the NTSB, I want to offer my congratulations to Chairman Hersman on her new position as President and CEO at the National Safety Council," said NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher A. Hart, who will become acting chair when Hersman leaves the post. "I have had the privilege of working with Debbie at the NTSB for nearly five years and know first-hand how her efforts have improved transportation safety for the traveling public. As one of the nation's most visionary advocates for safety, she has focused our attention and actions on addressing a variety of transportation safety issues, including fatigue and distraction in all modes of transportation, eliminating impaired driving, improving child passenger safety, and helping accident victims and their families.

"I know I speak for the whole agency when I say we will miss Chairman Hersman's passion, dedication and leadership but we look forward to working with her in her new capacity, as she continues to make our country a safer place for everyone."

Chairman Hersman will continue to lead the agency until April 25th.

Initial industry reaction came quickly. “Since her appointment to the NTSB in 2004 and through her unanimous confirmations as Chairman, Debbie Hersman has been an extremely thoughtful, dedicated, and effective leader of this globally important safety agency," GAMA president Pete Bunce said in a statement. "She has always put safety at the forefont, engaging the general aviation manufacturing industry to partner with government to improve our industry’s safety record. She has also shown a keen interest in how new technologies and innovation can enhance GA safety. We wish her the very best in her new endeavors.”

“NBAA congratulates Chairman Hersman on her nearly 10 years of valued service and leadership with the NTSB," said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen in a statement. "During her tenure at the board, NBAA enjoyed an excellent working relationship with her, and with the board’s professional staff.

"She always worked closely with NBAA to understand the specific operating needs of business aviation, and find ways to work to enhance safety in that context. We thank her for her professionalism, her fair-mindedness and her continuing readiness to maintain an open dialogue with NBAA and the industry, and we wish her well in her new role advocating for safety at the NSC.” 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov. www.gama.aero, www.nbaa.org