FDA is a high-performing federal agency dedicated to protecting the public health which requires commitment of public health servants from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and cultures. We are committed to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and talented workforce as pluralistic as the society we serve.

At FDA, we value diversity and celebrate our differences. Read the profiles below to learn more about just a few of the veterans that are now proud public servants at the FDA.

Meet RADM Denise Hinton, MS

RADM Hinton had the privilege of serving as a registered nurse in the United States Air Force for 8 years. After the Air Force, RADM Hinton wanted to continue to serve her country in uniform and quickly learned she could do so at the FDA as an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. After working in a clinical setting for a number of years, she was interested in learning more about the drug review process and was excited about applying her skills and knowledge in the regulatory setting.

Although RADM Hinton had the option to serve at other OPDIVs; she chose to begin the next phase of her career at FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) as a Regulatory Health Project Manager in the Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products (DCRP). FDA provided her with excellent training and dedicated mentors that afforded her opportunities for career advancement in various roles over the course of her career. After transitioning from the DCRP, RADM Hinton served as a Team Lead in the former Division of Training and Development, Deputy and Director of the Office of Medical Policy Initiatives and then the Deputy Director in the Office of Medical Policy where she led the development, coordination, and implementation of medical policy programs and strategic initiatives for CDER. In 2017, RADM Hinton was appointed to Chief Scientist where she oversees a diverse portfolio of activities ranging from scientific integrity to emerging global health and security threats. This responsibility involves leading FDA’s cross-cutting scientific research programs, policies, and initiatives through scientific collaboration among FDA’s centers and with the external scientific community to leverage scientific expertise to advance and close gaps in the science that is vital to fulfilling FDA’s mission.

RADM Hinton most enjoys working at FDA with ethnically and culturally diverse groups of multidisciplinary staff. It is an inclusive environment where anyone at any level can thrive. It’s fulfilling for RADM Hinton to know that FDA staff are working towards a common goal – protecting the public health of our nation.

Meet Annmarie Clarke, MSA

Supervisory Human Resources Specialist

Annmarie served in the United States Army for four years as a Human Resources Specialist (42A).

After serving her time in the military, Annmarie worked as a Human Resources Specialist for the following Federal agencies: USDA/Forest Service, Office of Personnel Management (OPM); and currently, HHS/Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Annmarie chose to work for these agencies because of the missions to serve the public. At the FDA, she is honored knowing that she partakes in hiring the right people who are ensuring the safety and security of humans and animals.

Annmarie transferred from OPM to the FDA’s Office of Human Resources (OHR) as a Senior HR Specialist. She is currently serving as the OHR Branch Chief for the Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

The opportunity to have work-life balance/flexible work schedule is what Annmarie enjoys most about working at the FDA.

Meet Edward Thompson

Regulatory Project Manager

Edward served in the United States Army from December 1981 to March 2002. His military job classifications were a radio teletype operator and then a medical laboratory specialist.

After his military career, Edward was accepted into a medical technologist position as a federal worker at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Edward currently holds a consumer safety officer position with the Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies (OTAT) as a regulatory project manager. He has held this same position since 2012. Initially, Edward was hired by the Office of Blood Research and Review (OBRR), but in 2016 the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research transferred a group of the regulatory project managers from OBRR to OTAT.

The interaction with people and exposure to the new and thriving technology to treat old and new diseases is what Edward enjoys most about working at the FDA. Walking into his office through the atrium of building 71/75 is magnificent and it gives him a great appreciation to work at such a wonderful place.

Meet Joseph Hunter

Program Analyst

Joseph served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 12 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in the Government and Foreign Policy from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2004. Joseph served as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter ACUSHNET from 2004 – 2006. In 2006, he served as a Training Officer in the Coast Guard Maritime Security and Response Team. Joseph attended Naval Flight School and earned his aviator wings in 2011. For a year, he served as a Search and Rescue pilot at Coast Guard Air Station Houston. Joseph’s last tour, he served as an Executive Briefer on the Coast Guard 4-star Admiral’s briefing from 2012-2016.

Having spent 12 years in the military, public service became a strong part of Joseph’s identity. He knew that he wanted to continue work to protect the public’s health interest after he left the military service. While researching his next move, a friend from Joseph’s church suggested he consider the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). The CTP mission resonated with him. For him, “The Real Cost Campaign” is particularly impactful.

Joseph was hired in early 2018 as a Program Analyst for CTP’s Office of Science, Division of Product Science (DPS). CTP/DPS has been a great fit for Joseph and has given him the opportunity to understand the functions of CTP as a whole. He has had the opportunity to dig into the technical aspects of reviewing tobacco products, the legal implications of the work being done, and how CTP communicates with industry and the public.

The aspect of working for FDA that Joseph most enjoys is that his leadership has trusted and empowered him with important work right away. Coming from the military, Joseph is used to working with mission driven, high performing teams doing important work. CTP/DPS has been all of this and more.