The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday, May 6, that Deputy Transportation Secretary Thomas J. Barrett is leaving the agency to become deputy federal coordinator at the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.
“Tom Barrett leaves the Department of Transportation with my deepest gratitude for all the fine work he has done here,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I was delighted that he agreed to remain in office during the transition between administrations, and his knowledge and wisdom have proved indispensable in helping us get a quick start on economic recovery and other urgent priorities.”
In Barrett’s earlier role as the first administrator of USDOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Barrett was charged with organizing a new federal agency with a critical safety mission, LaHood said.
“Tom’s work at the department, following a 35-year Coast Guard career in which he attained the position of vice commandant, adds up to a distinguished career of service to the public – one filled with accomplishments of which he can be proud,” LaHood said. “He will be missed.”
