Obama Wants Hersman to Continue Chairing NTSB

President Obama said he plans to re-nominate Deborah Hersman to a two-year term chairing the National Transportation Safety Board.

Hersman has headed NTSB since her appointment in July 2009 by Obama and has served on the board since 2004. The Senate must confirm her nomination.

The five-member NTSB is an independent agency charged with investigating transportation accidents. Hersman said in an interview last year that she wants the agency to focus more on driver fatigue and safety technology.

Before being appointed to the board, Hersman was a staff member for the Senate Commerce Commmittee. She also worked as a legislative aide to former Rep. Bob Wise (D-W.V.).

In a statement, Hersman said it “has been a privilege to lead this remarkable organization with its dedicated and professional employees” and said she was “grateful” for the faith that President Obama has placed in her.