The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced Kristin White as FHWA deputy administrator. White has served as FHWA chief counsel since July 2023, playing a pivotal role in advising the administration’s senior leadership and staff in advancing key FHWA programs and initiatives as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Throughout her career, Kristin’s passion for serving the American people and her commitment to building a better and brighter future has been evident in her work both in the private sector and here at the Federal Highway Administration,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “As we continue to implement the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Kristin’s expert leadership and guidance remain invaluable, and I look forward to working with her in this new role as we continue to advance the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration.”
As FHWA chief counsel, White oversaw all aspects of FHWA’s legal work to advise the federal-aid highway program and USDOT leadership on matters relating to the 2,900-person agency and its US$71bn annual budget. White serves as part of the FHWA senior leadership team and has led professionals in four offices across the country to advance the FHWA mission to deliver a world-class system that advances safe, efficient, equitable, and sustainable mobility voices for all while strengthening the mation’s economy.
White has also provided legal advice and strategic guidance on grant and program administration, federal legislation, regulatory affairs, environmental compliance, and all related litigation.
“I am honored to take on this new role and serve as deputy administrator for an organization that is dedicated to improving safety, mobility and innovation for the millions of people who use our nation’s roads, bridges and highways,” said Federal Highway deputy administrator White. “My goal is to continue to lead FHWA as we make the most of this once in a generation opportunity to make transformational investments in our nation’s transportation systems, and I am honored to be part of this effort.”
Prior to joining FHWA, White served as the chief operating officer of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), a non-profit founded by Congress to advance safety and mobility through transportation technology and innovation. She also previously was the co-founder and executive director of Minnesota’s Office of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV-X), one of the nation’s leading tech startups and idea incubators within government that researches and deploys transformational technology and policy.
