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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Office of Governmental, International, and Public Affairs

About the Office

PHMSA’s Office of Governmental, International, and Public Affairs serves as the agency’s official spokesperson. The office monitors legislation, industry and governmental developments that impact pipeline and hazardous materials transportation safety and security and PHMSA programs. The office provides input on PHMSA positions, and interacts with members of Congress and staff, and other governmental representatives including Federal, state, tribal, and local officials to answer questions and explain PHMSA or Departmental policies. Additionally, the office coordinates educational and informational events to promote awareness of PHMSA programs, activities, objectives, and goals by the public, industry, interest groups, state and local governmental agencies, and the media. The office also works to promote safe, secure and efficient transportation internationally in support of the Department's Global Connectivity Objectives and International Strategic Action Plan as an official representative on the Department's International Policy Council.

Office of Governmental, International, and Public Affairs Divisions

Government Affairs

Monitors legislation impacting pipeline and hazardous materials transportation safety and security, provides input on PHMSA positions, and interacts with members of Congress and staff, and other governmental representatives including Federal, state, tribal, and local governments to answer questions and explain the Administration's policies.

International Affairs

Coordinates all PHMSA international activities and works, in coordination with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, to ensure the consistency of those activities with broader departmental international initiatives.

Public Affairs

Coordinates educational and informational events to promote awareness of PHMSA programs, activities, objectives, and goals by the public, industry, interest groups, state and local governmental agencies, and the media. Plans, initiates, and coordinates interviews by the press, radio, or television media with Administration officials as well as other informational opportunities.

Management

Director for Governmental, International and Public Affairs
Matthew Sonneborn

Deputy Director
Damon Hill
 
Congressional Affairs Specialist
Thomas Arsenault
 
Program Analyst
Thomas Bukaweski
 
Public Affairs Specialist
Darius Kirkwood
 
Internal Communications and Social Media
Bruce Nilson
Joshua Daniels
Erika Owens