Nicole Nason began her duties on May 31, 2006. She joined NHTSA from the Department of Transportation, where she was the assistant secretary for governmental affairs since July 2003. In that position, she was responsible for oversight of congressional affairs, coordinating all legislative and nonlegislative relationships between the DOT and Congress, and directing the presentation of the Department’s legislative program. She also worked closely with State and local governments, other Federal agencies, public and special interest groups, transportation associations, and nonprofit organizations.

Prior to DOT, Nason was with the U.S. Customs Service as assistant commissioner of the Office of Congressional Affairs. She also served as counsel for the House Judiciary Committee under Chairman Henry Hyde of Illinois and as counsel and communications director for Intelligence Committee Chairman Porter Goss of Florida.

Previously, Nason served as government affairs counsel for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Nason earned her bachelor's degree at American University and her law degree at Case Western University Law School. She is married and has two daughters.