News Release

Sebelius Congratulates New FDA Commissioner Peggy Hamburg

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today congratulated new Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Hamburg after her nomination was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate.

“Dr. Hamburg is an inspiring public health leader with broad experience in infectious disease, bioterrorism, and health policy,” said Sebelius. “Her expertise and judgment will serve FDA well.”

Sebelius also praised Acting Commissioner and Principal Deputy Josh Sharfstein and the career professionals who serve at the FDA for their hard work and dedication.

“Josh and the employees at FDA have worked diligently to protect the American people,” added Sebelius. “Time and again, they have demonstrated their professionalism and commitment to ensuring the food we eat and the medicines and products we use are safe.”

A brief biography of Dr. Hamburg is included below:

Dr. Hamburg is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in public health and medicine, and an authority on global health, public health systems, infectious disease, bioterrorism and emergency preparedness. She served as the Nuclear Threat Initiative's founding Vice President for the Biological Program. Before joining NTI, she was the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to this, she served for six years as the Commissioner of Health for the City of New York and as the Assistant Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.

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Last revised: July 30, 2009