NHTSA Acting Administrator has Strong NSC Ties
The National Safety Council applauded last month's selection by President Bush of David Kelly as the new acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Kelly was a member of the NSC staff from 1996-2003 as a program manager and director of the council's Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign.
"NSC leaders know first-hand of David's passion for saving lives and his leadership ability," said Janet Froetscher, NSC president & CEO. "David's management and leadership of the Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign was a key part of its success."
While at the council, he directed the legislative activities in dozens of states, advocating primary seat belt bills across the country, as well as overseeing the daily activities of the campaign. He has also held several leadership positions with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
"David's passion for saving lives is matched by his commitment to using sound science to formulate public policy," Froetscher said. "Those qualities will be very valuable in his new role leading NHTSA."
Previously, Kelly was NHTSA's chief of staff, serving as the top advisor to Administrator Nicole Nason. In that capacity, Kelly managed the day-to-day operations of a 600-person agency with an $800 million budget.
Prior to joining NHTSA in July of 2006, Kelly was a member of the U.S. Department of Transportation's senior management, serving as the deputy assistant secretary for Government Affairs. Kelly represented the department with congressional offices and served as liaison with state and local officials for the Secretary of Transportation.
Kelly obtained his bachelor's degree from the State University of New York and his master of public administration degree from the City University of New York.