NTSB makes key leadership changes

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) yesterday announced several key leadership appointments, including the selection of Sharon Bryson as managing director.

Bryson was promoted to managing director in January after serving as the deputy managing director for a year. As managing director, she is responsible for assisting NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt with the agency's day-to-day operations, including directing staff activities and recommending and developing plans to achieve the board's objectives, NTSB officials said in a press release.

Bryson previously served as director for the Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications. In that role, she led a multidisciplinary team responsible for the agency's external communications, advocacy, management of safety recommendations, and family assistance services to people affected by a transportation disaster.

She joined the NTSB in 1997 as a victim assistance specialist, later becoming chief of the Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance.

Meanwhile, Paul Sledzik has assumed the duties of deputy managing director. In that role, he will support the managing director in the agency's daily operations. He also serves as the NTSB's chief human capital officer.

Previously, Sledzik led the agency's Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications from 2016 to 2018; and from 2010 to 2016, he led the NTSB Transportation Disaster Assistance Division.

Also yesterday, Sumwalt announced that Dolline Hatchett has joined the agency as director of the Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications. Hatchett brings an extensive background in external and internal communications in both the federal government and the private sector.

Prior to joining the NTSB, Hatchett served stints at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

“Sharon, Paul and Dolline bring a wealth of knowledge to this agency, its mission, and the traveling public,” Sumwalt said. “I am extremely grateful to them for their willingness to serve in these leadership roles, and I am excited for our path ahead.”