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Lauren K. Brand

Associate Administrator for Intermodal Systems Development

Lauren K. Brand, PPM, a member of the Senior Executive Service, became the Associate Administrator for Intermodal System Development on January 26, 2015. In this capacity, Mrs. Brand directs a national port infrastructure modernization program in excess of $1.3 billion – a program that includes TIGER discretionary funds. She is responsible for the continued development of the marine highway initiative and manages the Agency’s offshore energy licensing projects (the Deepwater Port Program). She also oversees the Secretary of Transportation’s Marine Transportation System Advisory Council and their efforts to integrate waterborne transportation into the overall national transportation system planning process.

Previously, Mrs. Brand was the Director for the Office of Marine Highway and Passenger Vessels. In this role, she was responsible for carrying out MARAD’s mission to improve and strengthen the US marine transportation system to meet the economic and security needs of the Nation. Prior to this she was the South Atlantic Gateway Director for MARAD. The South Atlantic region includes South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Prior to joining MARAD in July 2008, Lauren was the Senior Director for Business Development at Port Canaveral, FL. For 13 years she was part of the management team that worked to change the port from a niche cargo port to one of the top cruise ports in the world. In the mid-1980’s Lauren developed the International Trade-Customs Practice for Arthur Andersen & Co., serving as the US Practice Director and Worldwide Coordinator. She has also worked as a freight forwarder and was the Import Manager for Hitachi Metals America in NYC.

Lauren has a degree in Transportation from Niagara University, earned a US Customhouse Brokers license in 1987 and, in 2000, earned a Professional Port Manager Certification from the American Association of Port Authorities. She resides in Oakton, VA with her husband and family.