FMCSA Appoints Steve Dowling Chief Safety Officer

Washington — Steve Dowling is the new chief safety officer at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In an Aug. 10 press release, the agency states that Dowling will help direct FMCSA’s safety programs and initiatives and brings more than 35 years of experience focused on enhancing commercial motor vehicle safety.

Appointment Details

The agency announced the appointment on Aug. 10. Dowling served as senior director of enterprise safety at Chattanooga, TN-based Covenant Logistics from October 2021 until his appointment to FMCSA. According to Safety+Health Magazine, he will direct safety programs and initiatives at the agency.

Prior Experience

Dowling’s prior roles include over three decades as chief of the California Highway Patrol Valley Division. He also served five years as a board member of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance executive committee and as CVSA president from 2010 to 2011.

Statements from Officials

FMCSA head Derek Barrs said in the release that Dowling’s career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to public safety, operational excellence and service. Barrs added that Dowling’s experience leading in both law enforcement and the trucking industry gives him a unique perspective that will help strengthen FMCSA’s mission. In a separate release, CVSA Executive Director Collin Mooney called Dowling exceptionally well-qualified for the role. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the appointment was detailed in the agency’s Aug. 10 press release.