Dr. Heidi Overton Nominated to Lead FDA

Why it matters locally: The nomination of Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA could have significant implications for Oregon's food processing industries, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers due to the agency's broad regulatory authority over these sectors.

President Trump has selected Dr. Heidi Overton as his nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Overton currently serves as a policy aide within the White House. Upon confirmation, Dr. Overton would assume leadership of an agency comprising 18,000 staff members. The FDA's responsibilities include the study and regulation of food products, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and tobacco products, among other areas. On August 10, Dr. Overton participated in a press conference where President Trump signed an executive order concerning the childhood vaccination schedule.