Frank Borris II
Frank S. Borris is an innovative, solutions-oriented leader with a proven track record of leading change in the automotive and safety industry. Bringing to bear a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, Frank has leveraged his talents for many years to manage complex programs, lead diverse teams, and develop collaborative partnerships between the federal government and industry.
Frank began his automotive career with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1997 as a safety defects engineer in the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). In this capacity, he conducted numerous defects investigations involving visibility, occupant protection, fuel system integrity, electrical fires, steering, suspension, and power-train. Frank quickly advanced to become the senior safety defects investigator at ODI and served as the special assistant to the office director. In June 2009, he was appointed as director of the $3 billion Cash for Clunkers (CARS) program. Under Frank’s leadership, in its first 30 days, the CARS team published a Federal Regulation and developed a major information management system, built an office staff of 54, trained and engaged more than 14,000 contractors, and stimulated the purchase of nearly 680,000 safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles. The system designed under Frank’s direction was so efficient it enabled his team to process nearly $2.85 billion in payments to more than 18,000 dealers within one month. CARS spent only $88 million of the $150 million allocated for administrative expenses, a rare instance of a federal program coming in on time and under budget.
In January 2011, Frank assumed the role of Director of ODI. In that capacity, he managed a staff of more than 50 employees dedicated to identifying and investigating safety defects, managing hundreds of recalls annually, and keeping the public informed of critical safety information. Frank was the catalyst for numerous innovations at NHTSA, including the Transportation Department’s first recall subscription service and a mobile app for filing reports of potential defects and keeping consumers abreast of recalls. During Frank’s headship of ODI, he successfully lead NHTSA’s investigatory and enforcement efforts of numerous, high-profile defect cases including General Motors ignition switch, Fiat Chrysler Jeep fuel tank fires, and Takata air bag inflators.
In March 2016, Frank was asked by the Office of the Secretary of Transportation to take on a special assignment with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to provide executive leadership in its oversight of the Washington Metro system (WMATA). In this role, Frank developed a new oversight framework that included foundational policy and procedures for conducting safety oversight of the 30+ transit authorities subject to FTA regulation. He also lent expertise towards the day-to-day oversight of WMATA.
A March 10, 2015, article that appeared in the Fed Page of the Washington Post provides context for the important work Frank managed while at NHTSA. In April 2016, Frank conducted a video interview with MotorWeek to bring attention to the importance of promptly responding to safety recalls.
In October 2016, Frank left the federal government to pursue his vision of operating a consulting practice to provide leadership and valuable advice to the automotive and safety industry. Safety is truly Frank’s passion.
Frank earned his BS in mechanical engineering from the University of the District of Columbia and is currently a candidate in the George Washington University World Executive MBA Program (December 2017, expected). He is an avid automotive enthusiast who enjoys vintage American muscle cars and is active as a volunteer in his community leading and participating in numerous service projects, including Omega Men for Homeless Men, Project Giveback and We Feed Our People. Frank is married to his wife of 25 years, Jill, and has three sons.
Borris Automotive & Safety Solutions, LLC, was incorporated in the District of Columbia in August 2016 to provide expert consulting services to automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and individuals and organizations in need of automotive or safety consulting. Please visit the website today.
"Your Safety is My Passion"