USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                        About FRAAbout FRA
  

        
              Overview
                Organization
                Program Offices
                Resource Center
                Web Policies and Notices
                Contact Us
                Communications
                Governmental AffairsFeatured
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information from FRA
                Careers
                Leadership Profiles
                Organizational Chart
                Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches
                Fact Sheets
                TestimonyRailroad SafetyFeatured
  

        
              Train Horn Rule/Quiet Zones
                Public Blocked Crossings Incident Reporter
                Drug & Alcohol
                Safety Data
                C3RS
                High-Hazard Flammable Train Route AssessmentRailroad Safety
  

        
              Overview
                Railroad Crossing Safety & Trespass Prevention
                Accident Data & Reporting, Investigations
                Divisions
                Partnerships & ProgramsRail Network DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              High-Speed Rail
                Amtrak
                Environmental Reviews
                GIS Maps
                RuralRail Network Development
  

        
              Overview
                Passenger Rail
                Freight Rail
                Environment
                Planning
                International
                Maps & Data
                Training & GuidanceResearch & DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              R&D Current Projects
                Positive Train Control
                Hazardous Materials
                Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
                Close Call Reporting
                Broad Agency AnnouncementResearch & Development
  

        
              Overview
                Program Areas
                R&D ReportsLegislation & RegulationsFeatured
  

        
              FAST Act
                National Rail Plan
                Proposed State Rail Plan
                Civil PenaltiesLegislation & Regulations
  

        
              Overview
                Legislation
                Regulations & Rulemaking
                Buy AmericaGrants & LoansFeatured
  

        
              FRA Discretionary Grant Program Tool
                Discretionary Grant Calendar
                Railroad Capital Project Guidance
                FRA Webinars
                DOT GrantsGrants & Loans
  

        
              Overview
                Grant Programs
                Applying for Grants
                Resources for Grant Recipients
                Training & GuidanceFRA eLibraryeLibrary
  

        
              Accidents & Fatalities
                Compliance
                Conferences & Presentations
                Emergency & Safety
                Enforcement & Litigation
                Publications & Policy
                Reports
                OtherMenu Home
                        About FRA
                        Organization


            
            In This Section
        Organization Chart
                Leadership Profiles
                                Administrator
                Deputy Administrator
                Executive Director
                Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety & Chief Safety Officer
                Associate Administrator for Research, Data, and Innovation
                Chief Counsel
                Deputy Chief Counsel
                Associate Administrator for Railroad Development
                Associate Administrator for Administration
                Chief Financial Officer
                
                Mark Patterson Associate Administrator, Office of Research, Data, and Innovation
    

    
    
          Mark Patterson Associate Administrator, Office of Research, Data, and Innovation

Mark was named the Associate Administrator, Office of Research, Data, and Innovation in March 2023. In October 2022, Mark was named Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Research, Data, and Innovation and led the office through a recent organizational realignment and worked to improve processes and collaboration in the new office while integrating with the other FRA program offices.

From May 2020 to October 2022, Mark Patterson served as the Director, Office of Data Analysis and Program Support in the Office of Railroad Safety where he led five divisions. He was responsible for developing, implementing, and managing data collection, analysis, planning, and evaluation processes for FRA’s rail safety program; delivering inspector training through the Technical Training Standards Division; developing Audit Management standards and training; managing FRA’s response to emergency situations and accident analysis with the Security, Preparedness and Accident Reporting and Analysis Division; and conducting Regulatory Impact Analysis for new rulemakings with the Economic Analysis Division.

From February 2016 to May 2020, Mr. Patterson was the Executive Officer for Safety Operations and responsible for managing programs on behalf of the Director, Regional Operations and the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety. Prior to joining FRA’s Office of Railroad Safety, Mark was the Special Assistant to the Administrator. Mark began his career at FRA in 2009 in the Office of Policy and Communications.

Prior to joining FRA, Mark owned a communications and marketing firm in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Mark also served 12 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Captain from the Navy Reserve after 30 years of service. Mark received his commission upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy and he received a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Marks’ interests include outdoor activities on local rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, Navy sports and travel with his family.

Helpful tip: Jump at opportunities when they present themselves, even if you think you are not ready. You will rise to the occasion. If you wait until you think you are ready, the opportunity may not be there.
              
      
    
          Last updated: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Railroad Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About Us
  

        
              About FRA
                Careers
                Contact Us
                FRA Civil Rights
                Doing Business with FRA
                Grants and Financial Assistance
                Safety Management TeamsAreas of Interest
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
                Safety Data
                Buy America
                Operation Lifesaver
                Railroad Safety Advisory Committee
                FRA Secure Area
                Proactive DisclosureI Am A...
  

        
              Railroad Traveler
                Railroad Inspector
                Reporter
                Educator/StudentPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web Standards