Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx Announces the Promotion of Dr. Bryna Helfer to Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement at the U.S. Department of Transportation

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced the promotion of Dr. Bryna Helfer to Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Bryna will serve as an advisor to Secretary Foxx and work closely with the White House on accessible transportation and other related issues. She brings over 30 years of experience leading disability-related issues, including facilitating interagency coordination, program development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and systems-change initiatives.  Earlier in her career, Bryna served as a senior advisor for the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility to enhance transportation services for people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with lower incomes.

Bryna has been instrumental in implementing innovative solutions for difficult challenges during her leadership roles in the development and implementation of Easter Seals Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation in our Nation), the National Resource Center for Emergency Medical Services for Children, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Technical Assistance Center. Bryna graduated from Ohio University in Therapeutic Recreation. She holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from George Mason University and a doctorate degree in Special Education from The George Washington University.