The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced the resignation of its Chairman, Deborah Hersman, this morning. Ms. Hersman is leaving to take on the role of President and CEO at the National Safety Council. Her resignation is effective April 25th, at which point NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher A. Hart will become the Acting Chairman. He will remain as Acting Chariman until a new Chariman is appointed by the President of the United States.
Deborah Hersman was initially appointed to a five year term on the NTSB by former President George W. Bush in 2004. In 2009, President Barack Obama reappointed Ms. Hersman to a second five year term and as Chairman for a two year term. When appointed, she was the youngest person ever to hold the office of NTSB Chairman. She was reappointed as Chairman by President Obama in 2011, and 2013. Ms. Hersman was well known for her no-nonsense attitude and her desire to be referred to as Chairman. During the investigation of the crash of Asiana Flight 214 in July of 2013, she steadfastly refused to speculate on the cause of the crash in daily press conferences, instead focusing the media’s attention on the facts of the investigation.
The National Safety Council was founded in 1913, and was granted a congressional charter in 1953. The non-political group consists of over 50,000 members ranging from businesses and labor organizations to private groups and individuals. The National Safety Council seeks to prevent injuries and fatalities through leadership, research, education and advocacy. It is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois.
Ben Granucci, Associate Editor, is an aviation enthusiast and planespotter based in New York City. Growing up in Connecticut, he has had his eyes toward the sky for as long as he can remember. He can be reached on Twitter at @BLGranucci or through his blog at Landing-Lights.com
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