Joan Claybrook, president of Public Citizen, has announced that she is stepping down after 27 years of leading the national public interest organization. Claybrook will step down from her administrative duties on Jan. 31, but for several additional months will help prepare for the transition to a new president.
“During my tenure, we have achieved so much for the people of this nation,” Claybrook says. “Every consumer in America has benefited from our advocacy work. I am proud that Public Citizen under my leadership has played such a significant role in Congress, in government agencies and in the courts to protect the public health, safety and democracy for everyone in the U.S.”
A lengthy list of accomplishments cited by Claybrook included stopping the expansion of triple-trailer trucks, limiting their operation to about a dozen, mostly western, states. Public Citizen also has been involved in the ongoing ligitation regarding the hours-of-service rules.
“As the winds of change sweep the nation and Washington, D.C., with promises for new policies to help the public, it is a good time for me to move on to other adventures,” Claybrook says. “I am excited about the new champions of the rule of law who will be leading this nation and the opportunities to use my skills and energy to advance consumer interests as well.”
Claybrook will continue to assist Public Citizen by serving on the board of directors and helping with the search for a new president. Public Citizen has retained Ted Ford Webb of Boston, who is coordinating a nationwide search.
