BIO

Annette Sandberg

Of Counsel

Annette Sandberg, has more than 20 years of professional public safety and law enforcement experience at Federal and State levels of government. Annette became the 2nd Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on August 1, 2003, following her nomination by President George W. Bush and confirmation by the Senate. Her focused efforts assisted in the reduction large-truck fatality rates by 41% from 1996 to 2008. Annette led the agency of 1,100 people with a budget of $465 million until April 1, 2006. She also served as Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with more than 600 employees and a $403 million budget.

A nationally recognized expert in law enforcement and public safety, she led the Washington State Patrol as Chief for 6 years. The agency had a biennial budget of $321 million and more than 2,200 employees. When appointed in 1995, she was the 1st woman to lead a state police agency. She served in the Washington State Patrol from 1983 to 1994 rising to the rank of Lieutenant, prior to being appointed Chief. 

For years, Annette has provided transportation, public safety, and security consulting and legal counsel to public and private organizations dealing with regulatory policy compliance, implementation, and management of complex transportation and safety programs. Annette provides a unique perspective that integrates Federal, state, and local government policy, regulation, and compliance issues into transportation/public safety and security solutions for government at all levels as well as all industry partners. 

Annette has served on and lead Teams appointed by NHTSA and the US Department of Justice to oversee major auto manufacturers regarding their US regulatory obligations. Annette also previously served a three-year commitment as the lead Third Party Auditor Team appointed by NHTSA to oversee a major RV manufacturer regarding their NHTSA obligations under the Safety Act. 

Annette’s solutions consider the needs of all stakeholders. This includes applying legislative and regulatory knowledge and efforts at both the state and national levels. She leverages expertise related to workforce issues and has assisted clients in dealing with various employment related issues. She understands how statutory mandates can impact the workforce.

Annette received a law degree from the Seattle University School of Law in 1993. She is licensed to practice law in Alaska and Washington. In 1988, she received an MBA, Magna Cum Laude, from City University, Bellevue, WA. She attended the Government Executive Institute at Harvard University in 1996 and the FBI's National Executive Institute in 1998.