SEPT 5–ROCKVILLE, MD–The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford has appointed John M. Taylor as the agency’s senior associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.

Taylor, an attorney and presently compliance director for FDA’s field force, replaces Dennis Baker, who has served as associate commissioner for regulatory affairs since 1999.

“John Taylor brings an ideal mix of skills and experience to the daunting task of overseeing FDA’s field force and its crucial public health work,” Crawford says. “As new technologies and products emerge, as the work of shielding Americans from hazardous and substandard products becomes even more essential, and as we increasingly move to risk-based regulation, John’s leadership will help ensure that FDA’s ability to protect consumers remains second to none.”

To ensure a smooth transition in field leadership, as well as Mr. Baker’s critical involvement with several ongoing counter-terrorism initiatives, Mr. Baker will remain at FDA headquarters temporarily. Current plans call for Mr. Baker ultimately to serve as FDA’s regional director in Dallas, TX., where he would be responsible for field operations in FDA’s southwest region.

“Dennis Baker has presided over a challenging and exhilarating period for FDA’s field operations, especially the hiring of more than 600 new investigators and laboratory personnel in response to the terrorist attacks,” Crawford adds. “He has made major contributions to FDA’s mission, he is leaving our field operation stronger than it was when he arrived, and we are fortunate to have him continue his public service career in the FDA.”

Taylor joined FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel in 1991 after graduating from the law school of the College of William & Mary. Six years later he moved to the Office of the Commissioner as Senior Advisor on Regulatory Affairs. In 2000, he was named director of the Office of Enforcement, in FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs, the position he held at the time of his appointment