Cynthia Quarterman is a distinguished fellow with the Global Energy Center at the Atlantic Council. Quarterman served as the administrator of the US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) from 2009 until 2014. She has been a key policymaker in energy development, safety, environmental and transportation issues since the Clinton administration.

Throughout her expert handling of complicated issues, including deep-water oil and gas exploration and production, mineral and energy-related royalty collection, liquefied national gas facilities, and the truck, rail, and pipeline transportation of the nation’s new chemical and energy bounty, Quarterman has been a steadfast advocate for responsible energy development and prudent regulations. Quarterman served as the head of PHMSA during the Obama administration and as director of the former Minerals Management Service during the Clinton administration. She has also served in numerous other capacities within the Department of the Interior and was a member of the Obama administration transition team at the Department of Energy. In addition to extensive experience within the federal government, Quarterman was also previously a partner in the Washington office of Steptoe and Johnson LLP, where her practice focused on issues related to transportation and energy.