The Risk-Reward Of US FDA Leadership Running Offices Below Them

CBER’s Celia Witten is the latest senior executive to run an office within the center during a leadership transition, a move that can help achieve specific goals, but also create tension.

leadership change — CDER and CBER have seen offices temporarily run by center directors in recent years. • Source: Shutterstock

Celia Witten temporarily running the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research’s Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies represents an uncommon leadership transition strategy that appears to be gaining more traction in some corners of the US Food and Drug Administration.

Witten, who is CBER’s deputy director, will become the acting OTAT director when Wilson Bryan retires and a permanent replacement...