National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairwoman Deborah Hersman announced Tuesday that she will depart the agency next month after nearly a decade of service. She was appointed to the board in 2004 by President George W. Bush and was named as chair by President Obama in 2009, serving as the agency’s face during many press conferences and hearings. She leaves to join the Illinois-based advocacy group National Safety Council, as president and CEO. Christopher Hart, currently NTSB vice chairman, will take over as acting chairman.