Sarah Feinberg tapped as FRA acting administrator

Washington – Department of Transportation Chief of Staff Sarah Feinberg has been named acting administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.

Feinberg succeeds Joseph C. Szabo, who stepped down Jan. 9 after directing the agency since 2009. As the leader of FRA, Feinberg will serve as the nation’s top safety regulator for passenger and freight rail.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx named Feinberg FRA’s acting administrator Jan. 12 after working alongside her since 2013. Feinberg led DOT’s strategic efforts involving legislation, policy and communications, and she advised Foxx regarding DOT’s $302 billion surface transportation reauthorization plan.

Feinberg is the second woman to lead FRA since it was created in 1966.

“Sarah has the right mix of experience and skills to adeptly lead the FRA as it continues its important work to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods,” Foxx said in a press release.