Anthony Foxx was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Transportation Tuesday morning in a private ceremony at the department’s headquarters.
Foxx, who served as mayor of Charlotte, N.C. from 2009 until Monday, was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the U.S. Senate on Thursday.
In his new job, Foxx will face challenges that include the reauthorization and implementation of a new highway bill next year.
Transportation department officials said that Foxx is spending his first full day getting to know employees and holding meetings about issues such as transportation safety and severe weather preparedness.
“Safety will remain our top priority at DOT. At the same time, I will work to improve the efficiency and performance of our current transportation system while building the infrastructure we need for future generations,” Foxx said in a written message to DOT employees. “In doing so, I look forward to bringing my ‘on the ground’ experiences as a mayor, while embracing the tremendous knowledge, skill and ingenuity of the DOT workforce and our many stakeholders.”
Foxx succeeds Ray LaHood, a Republican and former U.S. Congressman from Illinois.