From: A Message from the Commissioner

To: FDA-Wide
Subject: OEA Personnel News
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 10:16:34 AM
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Dear Colleagues,

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that Erica Jefferson, our Associate Commissioner for External Affairs, has
informed me of her decision to depart the FDA on May 19th. 
 
Over the past two years, Erica has helped to advance our public health mission on countless fronts through creative
communications approaches – from vaccines to tobacco regulation to food safety and everything in between. Erica and the
Office of External Affairs (OEA) team have supported every major announcement to ensure we are communicating our
actions in a coordinated, timely and transparent way – and in plain language. I have often marveled at her seemingly
bottomless well of energy and imagination.  
 
When I was considering coming back as Commissioner, I distinctly remember my call with Erica. We discussed major
challenges that were expected, especially the rising tide of misinformation and mistrust in government. During her time in
the job she has consistently risen to the challenge, and just as importantly, she has been a fierce advocate for the people
who do the work at the FDA and for the public we are working for. Her knowledge of government and how it works and the
trust she has engendered across the expanse of this Administration will be hard to replace.
 
The OEA is an organization that supports the entire FDA portfolio, touching every facet of our agency. Erica has continuously
bolstered and elevated our news media, social media, stakeholder, and employee engagement, as well as our consumer
health information and digital and web technology efforts.
 
Let me provide you with a few examples. On the consumer health front, Erica and her team produced upwards of 100
consumer-friendly videos on a range of topics in English and Spanish, and took it to a new level with the creation of the
successful “Just a Minute!” video series featuring Dr. Marks answering key questions about FDA actions. She oversaw our
communications response for infant formula supply issues, including the launch of a much-needed consumer confidence
campaign. OEA planned and facilitated more than 75 high-level stakeholder calls for FDA leadership on a range of priority
issues, such as MPox and ALS. Our social media efforts were expanded to tackle tough public health issues using a dose of
humor and an abundance of creativity. Key improvements have been made and are in motion to improve FDA.gov, including
upgrading internal search functions and increasing usability. To improve media relations, the team has worked hard at
continuing to make our communications more transparent and accessible; for example, by further supporting live-streaming
of our press conferences via the FDA’s YouTube and social media accounts. In addition, Erica and the team are continuously
working to correct misinformation/disinformation and educate the public about the important public health work we do,
which included last year’s launch of Rumor Control on FDA.gov, and the creation of communications that explain what the
agency does and what we regulate.
 
Equally as important, Erica has fostered positive change in OEA by championing a culture that embraces diversity, equity,
inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). For example, she has brought in diverse leaders and speakers to educate OEA staff on
timely topics, such as race relations and the LGBTQI+ community, and incorporating best practices to reduce unconscious
bias in hiring practices. She is leaving behind a talented and dedicated group in whom I have great confidence.
 
I believe creative, clear, and accurate communications are essential components to our success. We can all count ourselves
smarter and more seasoned communicators because of Erica and her team. Personally, I will miss Erica’s counsel, candor,
and humor.
 
As many of you are aware, this is Erica’s second tour with the FDA. Her first tenure included serving as the Acting Assistant
Commissioner for Media Affairs under former Commissioner Peggy Hamburg’s leadership. Before Erica returned to the FDA,
she led communications for several clinical and commercial stage biotechnology companies. I feel especially fortunate to
have had her on the FDA team again and look forward to seeing what she’ll do next. I know full well that whatever she does
she will always be an advocate for the work we do. 
 
Stepping into the Associate Commissioner role until a permanent replacement is selected will be Heidi Rebello, OEA’s
Deputy Associate Commissioner, and long-time FDA career employee. Heidi previously acted in the position before Erica’s
arrival and I’m grateful that she has agreed to serve in this executive role on an acting basis once more.
 
Please join me in wishing Erica the very best in her future pursuits, and welcoming Heidi as she moves into her acting role.
 
Sincerely, 
Rob 
 
Robert M. Califf, M.D. (he/him/his)
Commissioner of Food and Drugs