Jennifer Homendy Sworn in as NTSB Chairwoman

Jennifer Homendy is sworn in as the National Transportation Safety Board’s 15th chairperson on Friday by Alfonso Montaño (right), the NTSB’s chief administrative law judge, during a ceremony at NTSB Headquarters in Washington D.C. Board member Michael Graham (center) holds Homendy’s family Bible. Courtesy NTSB/James Anderson

Jennifer Homendy has been sworn in as the chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, becoming the 15th leader of the federal agency that is tasked by Congress to investigate civil aviation and other transportation accidents.

“We are in a time of dynamic change and growth within transportation—from automated vehicles to commercial space,” Homendy said at her swearing in ceremony Friday in Washington. “This means that our mission to prevent tragedies and injuries and save lives is even more critical.”

“The country needs a robust and energetic NTSB to ensure safety is well represented in all modes of transportation,” she said. “I look forward to supporting our outstanding staff and their work as we endeavor to make transportation safer for all.”

Homendy becomes the fourth woman to lead the NTSB and one of 11 women who have served as board members.

Homendy was nominated by President Joe Biden in May after former chairman Robert Sumwalt announced he would be stepping down in June. Sumwalt served as chairman of the board beginning in 2017.

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