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# 5 Traits the Next FDA Commissioner Should Have: Sackner-Bernstein
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/5-traits-the-next-fda-commissioner-should-have-sackner-bernstein/
- Published: 2021-03-30T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:52:43.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5148999

Former CDER associate director **Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein** says there five [traits](https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/948216?ref=fdaweb.com#vp%5F2) the Biden administration should be looking for in any candidate to become FDA commissioner: 

- focusing resources on clear, transparent, and consistent communication coupled with accepting responsibility for action and inaction, with the understanding that emerging scientific data can change what and how the agency communicates;
- persuasive leadership to be able to persuade agency reviewers to make decisions according to the intent of policy;
- flexible intellect to be able to change direction when necessary;
- cautious risk-taker; and
- scientific/public health expertise.