Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence has named former Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator John Hill executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

As a result, Hill says he will put his trucking consulting business, The Hill Group, on hiatus for the next few years.

In 2006, Hill was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as FMCSA administrator after previously serving the FMCSA as chief safety officer and assistant administrator. In this role, Hill was involved in terrorism and hurricane response and emergency preparedness planning for natural disasters.

When asked how his experience with trucking has prepared him for this post, Hill said, "I know that if one looks at the world terrorism scene, commercial vehicles are often a favorite target of terrorists in many countries. We have come a long way in our country to protect infrastructure, screen potential suspects from obtaining commercial drivers licenses and trained our police and responders for terrorism events.

"When I was at the Department of Transportation, I was extremely fortunate to be involved in several activities related to preventing acts of terror and responding to natural disasters.... When I was in Mississippi helping with relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina, the response was possible only because of many trucking companies providing resources, including drivers and vehicles. Having served in my role with truck safety, I realize the vital importance of commercial transportation in the role of preventing, planning and responding to terrorism and disasters."

Prior to his work on a national level, Hill served as a member of the Indiana State Police from 1974-2003, providing expertise as commander of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Field Enforcement and Logistics Divisions.

Hill is a graduate of Taylor University and resides in Greenwood.

Gov.-elect Pence said, "An expert in his field, John Hill's decades of experience as a public servant serve as a testament to his commitment to safety and emergency preparedness at all levels of government. In the years ahead, he will be a tremendous asset to our Administration and to the people of Indiana."

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4/20/2011 Former FMCSA Chief Speaks out on HOS, EOBRs

4/25/2011 John Hill Talks About Life at the FMCSA