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Wednesday, the Obama Administration announced its intention to nominate MADD CEO Chuck Hurley as the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The MADD National Board of Directors will name Chief Operating Officer Debbie Weir as acting CEO upon Chuck’s appointment.

Upon his confirmation by the U.S. Senate, as NHTSA Administrator, Chuck will be responsible for leading all highway safety programs in the U.S., promulgating highway safety standards and helping to administer fuel economy regulations.

Chuck joined MADD as CEO in March 2005. He previously served as the Vice President of the Transportation Safety Group for the National Safety Council and as the Executive Director of the Council’s Air Bag and Seat Belt Safety Campaign.

A longtime volunteer for MADD, Chuck has been involved in the organization since the very beginning. He attended MADD’s first national press conference in Washington, D.C. in 1980, and strongly supported and assisted in MADD’s efforts to pass the National 21 Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984. From 1993 to 1998, Chuck served on MADD’s National Board of Directors.
“As CEO, Chuck brought focus to MADD,” said Paul Folkemer, chairman of MADD’s Board of Directors. “Under Chuck’s leadership, MADD developed and launched its boldest initiative ever: the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The Campaign has brought renewed focus, passion and vigor to the organization.”

Bringing 14 years of nonprofit management experience from the healthcare industry, Debbie joined MADD in 2002 as the Vice President of Victim Services. Under her leadership, MADD increased the number of victims served for three consecutive years by 20 percent. In December 2005, Debbie was promoted to Chief Operating Officer for MADD, responsible for building capacity at the field level and providing strategic leadership in the areas of communication, field relations, public policy, programs, and victim advocacy. In 2007, MADD served more than 50,000 victims of drunk driving crashes.

“The Board has complete confidence in Debbie’s ability to lead the organization during this transition,” said Folkemer. “With her experience as Chief Operating Officer, commitment to victim/survivors and extensive knowledge of MADD’s field, Debbie will lead MADD to success as we pursue our mission to eliminate drunk driving, serve more victims and prevent underage drinking.”

The White House nomination may go to the U.S. Senate in early May with a Senate confirmation hearing to follow thereafter.