Joan Claybrook

Joan Buckler Claybrook (born June 12, 1937) is an American lawyer and lobbyist who was president of Public Citizen from 1982 to 2009. She also served in the Carter administration as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 1977 to 1981.

Early life, education, and early career Claybrook was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended Goucher College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1959. In 1973, she earned a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Between college and law school, she worked in the congressional liaison's office at the Social Security Administration for six years before moving to Washington, D.C., in 1965 to complete a fellowship with the American Political Science Association. She also briefly worked as a staffer for Senator Walter F. Mondale.

Career In 1977, Claybrook was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to head the then 10-year-old National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Claybrook was also a prominent advocate for the use of airbags in automobiles.

Board service Claybrook currently serves on Georgetown University Law Center's board of visitors. She also holds positions on the boards of Consumers Union, Citizens for Tax Justice, Public Justice, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Goucher College board of trustees, and the California Wellness Foundation advisory board.