Anne Ferro will step down next month from her post as chief of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. She has served as Administrator since 2009.

She will become president and CEO of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced Ferro’s departure “with great disappointment.”

“Anne has been a true leader in safety throughout her time at (the Department of Transportation) and has become a trusted advisor and friend to me during my time as Secretary,” Foxx said in a statement.

“Under Anne’s leadership, FMCSA has ushered in a new culture of safety into the commercial bus and trucking industries.  She has made it more difficult for companies that jeopardize the public’s well-being to stay in business and easier for consumers to make informed choices when choosing a shipper or buying a bus ticket,” he said.

Ferro’s “infectious enthusiasm” has made DOT a better place to work, Foxx added.

In a farewell message to agency staff, Ferro said it has been her greatest privilege to work with them to advance FMCSA’s safety mission.

“While the opportunity to assume this position at AAMVA is another personal dream come true, no job can match the immense honor I have had serving President Obama, and Secretaries Foxx and LaHood with you – the dedicated individuals who persevere every day to make safe transportation a reality for all of us,” Ferro said.

Ferro mentioned initiatives the agency has undertaken during her tenure, including greater accountability for companies and drivers, stronger oversight of high-risk carriers, better tools for law enforcement and more data for industry and the public.

“On a daily basis we have also recognized the significant contributions that commercial truck and bus drivers make to roadway safety and our nation’s economic vitality,” she said.

She noted that she has highlighted the pressure drivers face because they are paid by-the-mile or load instead of their total time on-duty.

“We are seeking to change that compensation model so drivers receive fair wages for every hour they spend working – including time detained unloading and loading at the mercy of shippers and receivers,” she said.