Dave Matsuda

Dave Matsuda is a national transportation leader, with nearly two decades of experience leading, overseeing, and working in federal agencies. As the Nation’s 17th U.S. Maritime Administrator—leader of the modern-day merchant marine— he managed more than $1 billion of federal investment into U.S. shipyards, ports and shipbuilding projects as part of economic recovery efforts during the Obama Administration’s first term. He also oversaw a fleet of 50 large cargo and training ships as well as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy during a tumultuous time in its history.
As U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, and as a longtime policy advisor to U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, Dave worked on most significant transportation legislation from 2003-2009. He had a hand in passage of bills concerning passenger rail infrastructure, aviation safety and security, transit infrastructure, pipeline safety, maritime oil spill liability, trucking safety, and traffic safety/drunk driving.
Today, he consults with public and private organizations of all sizes to help them better understand and participate in federal decision-making. Dave serves on the board of directors for the state flagship Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island. He earned his B.S. Engineering from Harvey Mudd College, J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law, and honorary Doctor of Science for marine environmental research work from Maine Maritime Academy. He currently lives with his wife Catherine and mischievous son Deacon in Washington, DC.