Sydney Plante serves as the Acting Associate Administrator for Strategic Engagement at the Maritime Administration (MARAD) within the U.S. Department of Transportation. As a key member of MARAD’s executive leadership team, she drives the agency's strategic outreach, stakeholder partnerships, and comprehensive policy agenda to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry.

Sydney brings a robust background in government operations, policy development, and strategic communications. Prior to joining MARAD, she served in the regional office of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy during his tenure in Congress. In this capacity, she spearheaded regional policy initiatives and managed critical constituent relations. Complementing her public sector leadership, Sydney draws on over three years of experience as a paralegal, giving her a sophisticated understanding of administrative law, regulatory frameworks, and complex case management.

Sydney earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she focused her studies on Economics, Political Science, and Political Philosophy.