P99-5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 1999 Print Media: 301-827-6250
Consumer Inquires: 888-INFO-FDA
In this capacity, Mr. Baker will be responsible for ensuring that FDA-regulated products comply with the consumer protection laws and regulations the agency enforces. He will manage FDA's field operations and staff, including approximately 900 investigators and 100 compliance officers in FDA offices around the U.S., and he will continue the work of strengthening and consolidating FDA's field laboratories.
Dennis Baker is a real pro,' said Dr. Henney. He brings more than 25 years' experience in public health protection to this job, and he understands how important FDA's consumer protection mission is to the daily lives of every American.'
Mr. Baker comes to FDA from the Texas Department of Health, where he has served since 1993 as Chief, Bureau of Food and Drug Safety. As Bureau Chief he managed a $17 million consumer health protection program that included 500 employees in seven divisions and covered all foods, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and other programs. Between 1974 and 1993, he was Program Director and then Director of the Division of Food and Drugs, Texas Department of Health, and he also worked there as a senior food and drug investigator and as a food sanitarian.
Mr. Baker earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, in 1986 and a Bachelor of Arts from the same institution in 1972. He did graduate work in microbiology at North Texas State University, Fort Worth.
He has served as President of the Association of Food and Drug Officials, a national organization that fosters collaboration among health and agriculture officials in local, state, and Federal government, and he has been active in community service.
Mr. Baker replaces Ronald G. Chesemore, who retired in early January.