Susan McDermott named deputy assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater announced on July 12 the appointment of Susan McDermott to the office of deputy assistant secretary of transportation for aviation and international affairs. McDermott, a 17-year veteran of the international aviation team of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), replaces Patrick V. Murphy Jr., who retired in September 1999.

"Susan brings to this critical position a wealth of experience in policy formulation and bilateral aviation negotiations, having personally negotiated some of our most important agreements," Secretary Slater said.

McDermott's accomplishments as assistant director for negotiations in DOT's Office of International Aviation include the formulation of the administration's Partnership with Africa, a program designed to integrate African nations into the global economy. Within the last six months, McDermott—along with Deputy Assistant Secretary A. Bradley Mims—have negotiated agreements with five African nations under the "Open Skies for Africa" initiative, which is designed to create new air services between Africa and U.S.

Edited by Kevin Westerling