Drop the “Acting” – FDA’s Liz Dickinson is Named Chief Counsel

On February 29th, FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. announced in an FDA-wide e-mail the permanent appointment of Elizabeth H. Dickinson as FDA’s Chief Counsel.  Ms. Dickinson has served as FDA’s Acting Chief Counsel since August 7, 2011 (see our previous post).  Prior to that role, she served as Associate Chief Counsel for Drugs in FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel for several years.  Ms. Dickinson’s storied FDA career and myriad accomplishments are extolled in Dr. Hamburg’s e-mail announcement below.  Congratulations!

Dear Colleagues,
 
I am thrilled to announce the permanent appointment of Elizabeth Dickinson as the Chief Counsel of the Food and Drug Administration, effective Monday, March 12, 2012.
 
As many of you know, Liz has had a long and distinguished history at the Agency; she joined the Office of the Chief Counsel in 1994.  Over the years, Liz has served as legal counsel to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the Office of the Commissioner on innovator and generic drug review issues, orphan drug development, and biosimilars; has implemented pediatric exclusivity and pediatric drug development programs; has worked closely with the Department of Justice on dozens of cases addressing Waxman-Hatch issues and preemption; and has coordinated the development of the Office of the Chief Counsel’s flexible workplace program.
 
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts and Northeastern University School of Law, Liz is highly regarded by both her internal colleagues and those across the food and drug bar.  Over the years, Liz has received numerous awards for distinguished service, leadership and her outstanding legal skills.
 
Liz has been serving as Acting Chief Counsel since August 2011, and we have been grateful for her hard work and dedication each day that she has been on the job.  It is terrific to know that she will be serving the Agency in this role permanently as we move forward.  Please join me in congratulating Liz.
 
Sincerely,
 
Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D.
Commissioner of Food and Drugs