PHMSA Administrator Barrett has been designated by the President as Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation. While serving as Acting Deputy Secretary Barrett will also officially retain title of PHMSA Administrator.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced that Krista L. Edwards has been appointed the Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Edwards has served as PHMSA’s Chief Counsel since May 2006. Prior to joining the department, Edwards was a partner in the Washington, DC, office of Sidley Austin, LLP, where she was a member of the firm’s Transportation and Employment and Labor practice groups. Edwards received her J.D., with honors, from Northwestern University School of Law in 1988, and a B.A., with honors, from Northern Illinois University in 1984.
As Deputy Administrator, Edwards will assist the PHMSA Administrator in leading the agency, focusing on regulatory matters, enforcement, and legislative policy. Edwards reports directly to Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters. Stacey Gerard remains PHMSA Assistant Administrator and Chief Safety Officer. Jeff Wise is Acting Associate Administrator, Pipeline Safety as Ted Willke has moved to Acting Associate Administrator, Hazardous Materials.