Dive Brief:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration named Melody Drummond Hansen as chief counsel, the agency announced July 9.
- Drummond Hansen joined the agency from the law firm BakerHostetler LLP, where she was partner and a co-chair of the Automotive/Mobility industry team.
- She replaces former Chief Counsel Brian Stansbury, who was promoted to deputy counsel for the broader Department of Transportation in May after less than a year in the role. Charles Fromm, who led FMCSA’s legal teams in the interim, remains with the agency as deputy chief counsel, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Dive Insight:
The trucking industry’s primary safety regulatory agency is without a Senate-confirmed leader, and its flurry of recent hires could be temporary, depending on the outcome of this year’s election.
Drummond Hansen brings 20 years of experience in emerging technologies to a key role for the agency as its top legal adviser. Under former Administrator Robin Hutcheson, then-Chief Counsel Earl Adams Jr. led the department’s efforts on regulating autonomous vehicles.
At BakerHostetler, Drummond Hansen advised clients transportation and technology matters, including automated and connected vehicles, fleet management, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, data privacy and security, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, according to the FMCSA.
In the announcement, FMCSA Acting Administrator Vinn White called Drummond Hansen a great addition to the FMCSA’s leadership team.
“This is an exciting time for the agency,” White said. “I have no doubt that Melody’s dedication and proven track record in transportation and technology will help advance FMCSA’s mission and improve safety for everyone traveling the nation’s roadways.”
