Bhatt steps down as FHWA leader on Tuesday

Bhatt steps down as FHWA leader on Tuesday

Deputy Administrator Kristin White to serve as acting administrator

Shailen Bhatt

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Shailen Bhatt is stepping down from his post on Tuesday after nearly two years in the position.

Current FHWA Deputy Administrator Kristin White will serve as acting administrator, pending the naming of Bhatt’s successor.

ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner commended Bhatt for his work toward advancing roadway safety during his time as FHWA’s leader.

“I want to thank Administrator Bhatt for his service and dedication to improving safety on America’s roadways during his tenure leading the Federal Highway Administration,” Tetschner said. “Under his leadership, FHWA has worked diligently to implement and distribute vital safety funding and programs included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I wish Administrator Bhatt the best in his future endeavors and look forward to continuing ATSSA’s strong relationship with FHWA under new Acting Administrator Kristin White.”

Bhatt was sworn in as the 21^st Administrator of FHWA on Jan. 21, 2023, after being unanimously confirmed by the Senate the previous month. He came to FHWA after serving in leadership in both the public and private sectors, including at the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America).

Kristin White

On Aug. 16, FHWA announced release of the U.S. Department of Transportation vehicle-to-everything (V2X) plan aimed at reducing deaths on the nation’s roads. In releasing the plan, Bhatt noted it was a collaborative effort and a “call to action in providing a framework for all of us to continue to work together toward the same goal of accelerating V2X deployment to save lives on our nation’s roadways.”

ATSSA recently laid out details of the plan, known as “Saving Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment,” and its promise for saving the lives of motorist and roadway workers.

White was appointed deputy administrator in May 2024 after serving as chief counsel at FHWA.

She previously served as chief operating officer for ITS America and had co-founded and served as executive director of Minnesota’s Office of Connected Vehicles (CAV-X).

Kristin White