Kala Wright joins FMCSA from New York City where she served as the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Policy and External Affairs for the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, in that capacity she implemented large-scale outreach initiatives to taxi licensees, industry members and elected officials. In the last year, Kala spearheaded TLC’s relief efforts for New York City’s COVID-19 response, including Get Food NYC, Citi-Field Vaccine Recruitment and the Vaccine Initiative for Homebound New Yorkers. Her work in External Affairs has allowed her to connect with diverse communities of people, understand the challenges that shape their lives and craft systems of improvement. Kala has worked in city service for thirteen years and looks forward to continuing her public service with the Biden-Harris administration. She has a degree in education from Tufts University and degree in illustration from Pratt Institute.