Steven Is Moving On to New FDA Challenges
It has been my honor to be part of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA since its founding in April 2006. By acting collectively, we have been able to significantly increase FDA funding, as well as educate policymakers and the media about the agency's expanding mission and growing responsibilities.
A few months ago, I began talking with the board about my desire to pursue new opportunities that continue my service to FDA and the FDA stakeholder community. Metaphorically, I need to clear my plate so that I have room to take on new professional challenges.
Accordingly, my last day as Alliance Executive Director will be December 31, 2024. The DMV will still be my home and the FDA stakeholder community will still be where I belong. Even with new projects on my plate, the Alliance will always be able to count on my involvement and support.
This transition means changes for the Alliance—new leaders, new ways to fulfill our mission, and new ideas about how to best support the FDA. I embrace the need for fresh thinking and urge you to do the same. Fortunately, the Alliance has a strong and broadly-representative board that will assure continuity during and after the leadership transition.
A few words should be said about the founding of the Alliance in 2006. The NIH had just gone through a five-year doubling of its budget. Patient representatives (and others) were expressing concern that the FDA's chronic underfunding might delay or deny Americans the benefit of the investment in NIH.
The need for more resources was not limited to medical products. There was a time in the early 2000’s when food safety funding went from $440 to $444 million, accompanied by a slew of new responsibilities that would cost far more to implement than the incremental funding increase.
As an agency-wide problem, underfunding needed a community-wide response: the FDA Alliance, which became the Alliance for a Stronger FDA. That then-new group has provided a strong and unified voice for all FDA stakeholders. I think we can agree, it has been successful.
In retrospect, the Alliance was an obvious response to the FDA’s plight. However, it was not so obvious at the time. It took true bravery for Nancy Myers, Wayne Pines, and the late Diane Dorman—my fellow co-founders--to sign the incorporation papers and become the Alliance’s first directors.
My personal goal for 2025 is to identify the next big challenge to FDA and see how I can contribute to a successful outcome. I have some initial ideas about what that might be...and I welcome input from the Alliance family.
For at least the next ten weeks, you will be able to reach me at my Alliance email address; you will always be able to reach me at sgrossman@hpsgroup.com.
No good thing is ever the product of just one person’s efforts. My deep appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the Alliance. I owe all of you.
Best regards,
Steven
P.S.: The Board is working on a transition plan that will be announced soon. Stay tuned!