Dive Brief:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Deputy Administrator Earl Adams Jr. left the agency for the private sector late last month after less than a year in the role.
- Adams, who served as FMCSA chief counsel since 2021, returned to Hogan Lovells as a partner, the law firm announced Monday. An FMCSA spokesperson confirmed his last day was Dec. 29.
- “I am proud of the work we did to focus on the root causes of crashes, increase the impact of FMCSA's grant dollars, promote transparency in the sector, and leverage technology to improve safety outcomes,” Adams wrote on LinkedIn. “The work is not done but I know that the amazing team at FMCSA and USDOT are up to the charge.”
Dive Insight:
Adams’ departure is the latest turnover in the regulatory agency’s top ranks as the trucking industry awaits federal rulings on speed limiters and other issues.
The FMCSA promoted Sue Lawless to chief safety officer in September, following the retirement of Jack Van Steenburg, a 15-year agency veteran.
FMCSA chief Robin Hutcheson was confirmed by the Senate in the fall of 2022 after serving as interim administrator following her appointment by President Joe Biden the previous January.
The job at Hogan Lovells is a homecoming of sorts for Adams, who worked at the firm as an associate from 2002 to 2006, when it was known as Hogan & Hartson.
Adams, who also previously worked as chief of staff for former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, wrote on LinkedIn that his time at the federal Department of Transportation was a highlight of his professional career.
“I will forever be thankful that I got to work with such a talented and committed group of public servants,” Adams wrote. “[You did] the work—not for praise or pay—but because you believe in the importance of our charge—ensuring the safety of our nation’s transportation modes. My hope is that I contributed meaningfully to our shared mission.”
Trucking industry professionals were among the hundreds of people reacting to the news and congratulating Adams.
“I would never forget how you recognized me amongst the mega carriers executives at a conference and came up to speak with me,” commented Brian Minor, president of Minor Carriers. “You gave me words of encouragement. Happy new year and can’t wait to hear what’s in store for you in the next chapter.”
