WASHINGTON — Ann Carlson, the acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since September 2022, is stepping down from her post effective Dec. 26 because of a law limiting how long federal officials can hold a position temporarily.
Sophie Shulman, deputy administrator of the agency since January, will serve as acting administrator. She previously was deputy chief of staff for policy at the Transportation Department and also served at the Energy Department, Office of Management and Budget and White House Domestic Policy Council.
Carlson, who was appointed NHTSA's chief counsel in January 2021, will serve again in that role until the end of January before leaving the agency, she reportedly told staffers in an email.
President Joe Biden nominated Carlson in February to become the agency's head but withdrew the nomination in May after she faced Republican opposition.