A senior White House official visited with students and instructors at Francis Tuttle Technology Center's Reno campus recently. Anne S. Ferro, Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, spoke with Francis Tuttle Automotive Service Technology and Diesel Technology students and listened to their perspectives on forecasts and regulations impacting the transportation industry.
Ferro explained that President Obama wanted to open a dialog with Americans across the country. Early last year, the White House began to take advantage of this initiative and engage with emerging leaders across the country.
Ferro was impressed with the investment Oklahoma has put into technical education, stating that it is the perfect example of building America to last. She acknowledged that strong technicians are in demand across many industries-aviation, construction, trucking and maritime, among others.
Administrator Ferro's primary focus in the United States Department of Transportation is to improve commercial vehicle safety and prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. She listened intently as students seized the opportunity to present potential solutions to a variety of concerns, which included federal policies, emissions reduction, intelligent vehicle technology, alternate fuels and funding availability to upgrade natural gas infrastructure. Ferro took copious notes as she listened, and praised students for their innovative thinking.