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.