Blane A. Workie

Assistant General Counsel for the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection

Blane Workie has served as the Assistant General Counsel for the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection since December 2014, directing the daily operations of the attorneys and transportation industry analysts who investigate and enforce the Department’s aviation economic, consumer protection and civil rights requirements. She also guides staff in assisting and educating aviation consumers by reviewing and responding to consumer complaints about air travel, publishing the Department’s monthly Air Travel Consumer Report, and ensuring the Department’s website contains clear, useful information about the rights of air travelers.  In addition, Ms. Workie plays a critical role in the Department’s efforts to enhance civil rights and consumer protection through issuance of rulemakings that are clear, straightforward and designed to minimize burdens.  

Prior to joining the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, Ms. Workie worked as a regulatory attorney in the Department’s Office of Regulation within the Office of the General Counsel.  She served as a legal advisor to the Secretary of Transportation on many administrative law requirements affecting the regulatory process, including statutes, Executive Orders, and rules. Ms. Workie also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.  She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.