Trump nominates new FHWA administrator

Nicole Nason

President Donald Trump nominated Nicole R. Nason earlier this month to serve as Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrator.

If confirmed, Nason would oversee surface transportation policy regarding infrastructure funding and autonomous vehicles.

Nason previously served as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during the George W. Bush administration. She also served on the Mothers Against Drunk Driving board of directors.

Nason also is the founder of Connecticut-based Project Koe. The organization’s goal is to empower women and encourage health and fitness through Japanese martial arts.

The nomination is supported by the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA).

“Ms. Nason’s experience and accomplishments make her well-suited to lead the FHWA in its mission to reduce traffic fatalities on U.S. highways,” ACPA President & CEO Gerald F. Voigt said. “Her experience also will prove valuable to the FHWA as it continues to usher in new technologies, including autonomous vehicles and other innovations that can improve the safety, functionality, and efficiency of the nation’s highways.”

Deputy Administrator Brandye Hendrickson currently is in charge of the FHWA. If confirmed, Nason would succeed Greg Nadeau to become the agency’s 26th administrator.

Trump nominated former Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino for FHWA administrator in 2017, but Trombino withdrew from consideration.