The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is expected to soon name Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Cathy Gautreaux as the agency’s next deputy administrator, according to an industry source.

An announcement posted on the LMTA website states only that Gautreaux is leaving the association to fill “a leadership capacity” at FMCSA. The LMTA’s executive committee noted that it has already begun a search for Gautreaux’s successor, as it is “imperative that we have someone in place to get acclimated to the position in preparation for the 2018 Legislative Session next spring.”

Gautreaux has been employed by LMTA for 32 years, serving as the executive director for the association for 29 years.

The deputy administrator is the number-two position at the agency. It has traditionally been filled by a political appointee.

However, Daphne Jefferson, the current deputy administrator, who is reportedly retiring soon, is a career civil servant. She was appointed to the post in 2015 after having served just prior as counselor to the chief of staff at the Department of Transportation.

The number-two position at FMCSA does not require confirmation by the Senate.

Earlier this week, the confirmation process for Raymond Martinez, President Trump’s choice to lead the agency as FMCSA administrator, got under way on Capitol Hill with his appearance before the Senate committee charged with vetting his nomination.