Erica Jefferson Returning to FDA

Former FDA acting assistant commissioner for media affairs Erica Jefferson is returning to the agency as associate commissioner for external affairs. An agency announcement says that in her new position Jefferson “oversees agency-wide communications activities regarding FDA’s public health and regulatory activities. This includes the development, coordination, and leadership of all FDA communications as well as outreach efforts to the news media, health professionals, patient advocates, industry, states, consumer groups, and the general public.” Her position also is the focal point for speechwriting, creative and editorial services, and best practices for the agency for digital and Web technology and social media.

After leaving FDA, Jefferson worked in communications and public affairs leadership roles at several clinical and commercial-stage biotechnology companies focused on developing novel therapeutics for various diseases.