WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the announcement that Deborah Hersman, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), will be the next president and CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC):

“Debbie Hersman has been an absolutely effective and fearless chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. Her reassuring confidence has helped lead this country through some of our most difficult recent transportation accidents, from last summer’s tragic plane crash in San Francisco to this winter’s terrible series of incidents on Metro-North. Whenever there was a transportation accident, I always trusted that Debbie would put the full weight of the NTSB behind any investigation, and she would be tireless in working to uncover the facts. Above all, Debbie has proven herself to be a remarkable leader, and steadfast in her commitment to public service and making our transportation systems safer. I send my deepest appreciation for the tremendous work she has done, and wish her continued success in her next position leading the National Safety Council.” 

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