Steven Bradbury fills role as Acting Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Acting Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steven Bradbury has assumed the role of Acting Secretary of Transportation for the remaining nine days of the Trump Administration following the resignation of Secretary Elaine Chao following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
He issued a public letter to USDOT colleagues vowing steady leadership and an orderly transition during the final days. His letter read:
"In accordance with the department’s established order of succession, I assumed the duties of Acting Secretary of Transportation this morning. Our focus in the final days of the current administration is to keep the department under steady leadership and ensure an orderly transfer of power to the incoming team on January 20. While the past week in Washington has been fraught and tumultuous, it remains a distinct honor and privilege to work for the American people in this great department and I am deeply gratified to serve with you as part of our DOT family. Thank you for everything you do every day to advance the important mission of DOT!
"Let me take this opportunity, as well, to thank Secretary Chao for her tremendous service to the department and the nation. Under her strong leadership this past four years, supported by the tireless efforts and dedication of the men and women of DOT, we have accomplished much: We have advanced the safety of our Nation’s transportation systems, helped pave the way for the future of mobility, strengthened America’s infrastructure, and provided effective assistance in response to the COVID public health emergency. All of us share in these accomplishments, and we wish Secretary Chao success and happiness in her future endeavors."
Acting Secretary Bradbury was confirmed by the Senate as USDOT General Counsel in 2017 before filling the role of Acting Deputy Secretary of Transportation in September 2019.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
