This week, President George W. Bush appointed David Kelly acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Previously, Kelly was the agency's chief of staff, serving as the top advisor to Administrator Nicole Nason.

In that capacity, Kelly managed the day-to-day operations of a 600-person, $800 million budget.

Kelly replaces Nason, who came under fire in the press because whe was previously a lobbyist for the Department of Transportation, as well as for her policy of not allowing NHTSA officials to be quoted.

Prior to joining NHTSA in July of 2006, Kelly was the deputy assistant secretary for government affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation. He represented the department with congressional offices and served as liaison with state and local officials for the secretary of transportation.

A long-time safety advocate, Kelly was the director of the National Safety Council's Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign. While at the Council, he directed the legislative activities in dozens of states, advocating primary seat belt bills across the country, as well as overseeing the daily activities of the campaign. He has also held several leadership positions with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The National Safety Council and Mothers Against Drunk Driving issued statements applauding the choice.

"David's passion for saving lives is matched by his commitment to using sound science to formulate public policy," said National Safety Council President & CEO Janet Froetscher.