Biden Administration Names New Deputy Maritime Administrator

The Biden Administration has announced the appointment of Lucinda Lessley to serve as the new Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Lessley was among dozens of key Department of Transportation appointments announced Thursday on President Biden’s first full day in office.

Lessley replaces Acting Maritime Administrator Douglas Burnett after Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby resigned from the Administrator post in response to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

“This experienced team looks forward to getting right to work on behalf of the American people to deliver on policies and projects that will create jobs, equitably serve all Americans, and meet the climate crisis,” said Carlos Monje Jr., Senior Advisor to the Secretary and acting Chief of Staff. “President Biden has been clear: stronger infrastructure is a key to building our country back better than it was before.”

Lessley’s LinkedIn profile shows she most recently held the position of Senior Investigator for the Committee on Homeland Security as well as Policy Director/Senior Investigator for the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. She also previously held positions in the office of the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, as well as Professional Staff Member for the Committee of Transportation & Infrastructure-Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transport, which Mr. Cummings had chaired.

Lessley will serve as Deputy Maritime Administrator until a Maritime Administrator is nominated by the Biden Administration and confirmed by Senate.

Lessley’s new role announcement comes as Pete Buttigieg is facing confirmations hearing for his role as the Secretary of Transportation, during which he expressed his support of the Jones Act.