The Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is an official of the Federal government of the United States serving as the chief executive officer of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation. He or she is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate.
The position was created in 2004 as part of the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act. The act also authorized the establishment of a Deputy Administrator and a Chief Safety Officer.
The Administrator advises the Secretary of the Department of Transportation on all matters falling within PHMSA's jurisdiction. The Administrator directs the agency's national program responsible for protecting against the risks to life and property inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce and the transportation of natural gas, gasoline, petroleum, and other hazardous liquids by pipeline. The Administrator is also responsible for directing the development of the broad legislative, budgetary, fiscal, consumer, public affairs, and civil rights programs for the agency.
Cynthia Douglass currently serves as the agency's Chief Safety Officer and Acting Deputy Administrator.
Carl Johnson served as the agency's Administrator having been confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 9, 2008, until January 20, 2009.
Krista Edwards served as the Acting Administrator from August 8, 2007 until January 9, 2008.
Vice Admiral Thomas J. Barrett, USCG (Ret.) was sworn in May 31, 2006 as the first permanent administrator. He resigned from his post on August 8, 2007 when he was confirmed as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Commander Brigham McCown, United States Navy (Ret.) served as the first Acting Administrator and first full-time Deputy Administrator from May 1, 2005 to May 30, 2006.