Thomas J. Barrett

Thomas J. Barrett became the deputy federal coordinator for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects [OFC] in May 2009. Barrett directs activities and authority vested in the OFC and manages the Alaska field office. His federal experience includes the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guard. He is currently serving as Acting Federal Coordinator.

Before joining the OFC, Barrett served as the Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. He was confirmed on August 8, 2007 and served until May 23, 2009. As Deputy Secretary, Barrett ensured that the United States and its citizens had a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation system that met vital national interests and enhanced the quality of life for Americans today and into the future. Deputy Secretary Barrett served as the Department's chief operating officer, responsible for the day-to-day management of DOT's $61.1 billion budget, 10 modal administrations, and approximately 60,000 employees.

Barrett also served as the first Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), directing the agency's national program for protecting against risks to life and property inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce and the transportation of liquid, natural gas, petroleum, and other hazardous liquids by pipeline.

Before becoming PHMSA Administrator, Barrett was the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. Prior to that, he served 35 years in the United States Coast Guard and attained the position of Vice Commandant. He also commanded Coast Guard operations in Alaska and the North Pacific from 1999 to 2002. Barrett and his family lived in Alaska for 14 years during his Coast Guard career.

Barrett earned a B.S. in Biology from LeMoyne College, Syracuse, N.Y., and a Juris Doctor with honors from the George Washington University. He is a graduate of the Army War College and the National Defense University Capstone Course in National Security Strategy and Military Capabilities.

Barrett is married to the former Sheila Walker of Syracuse, N.Y. They are proud parents of four children, Tom, a Major in the United States Army, Matt, Rebecca and Paul, a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corp Reserve. Both Tom and Paul are Iraq veterans.