Federal Position Descriptions
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Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration

Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services
Responsibility
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

• 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 Appointments
  • 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. “Peggy” 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. “Andy” 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.
AGENCY

Department of Health and Human Services

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.

COMPENSATION

Level IV $161,900 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Health and Human Services

SENATE COMMITTEE

Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

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Footnote
  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.
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