Janet Woodcock to Serve as Acting Commissioner of FDA

On Jan. 20, 2021, Janet Woodcock, MD announced in a note to FDA staff members that she will serve as acting commissioner of FDA, taking over for Stephen Hahn, FDA’s previous acting commissioner.

Woodcock joined FDA in 1986 and has held several positions, including deputy commissioner and chief medical officer, deputy commissioner for operations, chief operating officer for the commissioner’s office, and director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

“I know you all have endured hardships while carrying out our public health mission, balancing work and family, and trying to stay safe. It has not gone unnoticed,” she wrote in her note. “I believe life will improve in 2021, but I don’t know how quickly that will happen. The hope keeps me going. I look forward to working with you to achieve our vital public health mission, and with our HHS [Department of Health and Human Services] partners and The White House during this transitional period.”