Lucinda Lessley

Deputy Administrator
Maritime Administration/MARAD
U.S. Department of Transportation

Lucinda Lessley was sworn in as Deputy Administrator of the Maritime Administration on January 20, 2021. In this role, she is responsible for matters not requiring the personal attention of the Administrator and recommends action when the Administrator’s review or approval is required. The Deputy is a member of the Maritime Subsidy Board and serves as Acting Administrator in the absence or preoccupation of the Administrator. Ms. Lessley served as Acting Administrator from January 20, 2021 until May 16, 2022. 

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Lessley worked in the U.S. House of Representatives for approximately 16 years.  Most recently, she was Senior Investigator with the House Committee on Homeland Security. Previously, Ms. Lessley worked in a variety of positions for the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, including as Policy Director of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Legislative Director in the Congressman’s personal office, and as Professional Staff on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Prior to her work on the Hill, she was a staff member to the Maryland General Assembly.

Ms. Lessley has a Master of Science from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and was a Fulbright Scholar in Germany.