As Anne Ferro wraps up her time as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration this week, the agency has named the agency's chief counsel, Scott Darling, to serve as acting administrator until a permanent administrator can be named.

Deputy Administrator Bill Bronrott also will be leaving his role at FMCSA by the end of the year, but will continue in his role as in the meantime.

Ferro announced the changes in an internal e-mail Aug. 22, her last day in office before starting a position as president and CEO of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

Appointed by President Obama in September 2012, Darling serves as counsel to the administrator and the agency's chief legal officer. He oversees attorneys located both in FMCSA's headquarters and in the regional service centers.

Scott joined FMCSA from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Prior to joining the MBTA, he provided counsel to a number of public and private sector clients on transportation, land-use, housing, and environmental issues. 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Clark University, a Master's degree in Public Policy from Tufts University, and a Juris Doctor's degree from Suffolk University.

Ferro wrote in her message to FMCSA colleagues, "I know that Scott will provide seamless leadership with integrity, intelligence, and a commitment to engage our employees and stakeholders to meet our lifesaving mission.

"I am confident that Acting Administrator Darling, Deputy Administrator Bronrott, our senior executive team, and each and every one of you will continue to build on the progress of the past five years.  I'm counting on you, because it's never been about me. It's always been about us -- One FMCSA -- working as a team on the highest of callings in public service -- saving lives."

Prior to his FMCSA appointment, Bronrott served as an elected member of the Maryland General Assembly. He began his career as a top aide to U.S. Congressman Michael D. Barnes of Maryland. During that time on Capitol Hill, he helped launch the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) movement and the war on drunk driving.