PD_HHS_FDA_Commissioner

Position Description

COMMISSIONER OF THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Overview

Senate Committee

Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

Agency Mission

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics and products that emit radiation.

Position Overview

As the top official of the FDA, the Commissioner is committed to strengthening programs and policies that enable the agency to carry out its mission to protect and promote the public health.

Compensation

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)¹ _{The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.}

Position Reports to

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Responsibilities

Management Scope

In fiscal 2015, the FDA had a budget of $4.5 billion and 15,620 full-time equivalents. Reporting to the Commissioner are the following offices:
® Office of the Chief Counsel
® Office of the Executive Secretariat
® Office of External Affairs
® Office of Women’s Health
® Office of Minority Health
® Office of the Chief Scientist

Primary Responsibilities

® Protects the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics and products that emit radiation
® Advances the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines more effective, safer and more affordable, and by helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to maintain and improve their health
® Regulates the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and reduce tobacco use by minors
® Plays a significant role in the nation’s counterterrorism capability by ensuring the security of the food supply and by fostering development of medical products to respond to deliberate and naturally emerging public health threats.
® Serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on all matters related to the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics and products that emit radiation
® Supervises the work of the Office of Chief Counsel, Office of the Executive Secretariat, Office of Chief Scientist, Office of External Affairs, Office of Minority Health and Office of Women’s Health.

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® A physician, traditionally, and should be a respected member of the scientific community
® Experience in managing complex scientific agencies/organizations
® Experience in regulatory/regulated environments
® Experience in leading through unexpected crisis situations

Competencies

® Demonstrated ability to successfully lead a complex organization with multiple areas of focus
® Strategic leader with a track record of developing strategic goals and leading others to successfully execute against a plan
® Ability to establish positive relationships with co-workers and external stakeholders
® Ability to forge strong congressional relationships (preferred)
PAST APPOINTEES
Robert Califf, MD, (2016-2017), Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco, FDA; Professor of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for Clinical and Translational Research, Duke University.
Margaret A. u201cPeggyu201d Hamburg, MD, (2009-2015), Vice President for Biological Programs and Senior Scientist, Nuclear Threat Initiative; Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services; Commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Andrew C. u201cAndyu201d von Eschenbach, MD (2006-2009), Director, National Cancer Institute; Founding Director of the Prostate Cancer Research Program, Director of Genitourinary Cancer Center and Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Clinical Research Distinguished Chair in Urologic Oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
The Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition helps ensure the efficient transfer of power that our country deserves. The Center’s Ready to Govern· initiative assists candidates with the transition, works with Congress to reform the transition process, develops management recommendations to address our government’s operational challenges, and trains new political appointees.