FDA makes permanent four key leadership appointments, including first AI deputy commissioner

The Food and Drug Administration announced that three officials who have been serving in acting capacities will now be confirmed as permanent heads of its major centers.

Michael Davis, a psychiatrist, will lead the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Former Merck executive Karim Mikhail will become director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and longtime FDA attorney Bret Koplow will head the Center for Tobacco Products.

Jared Seehafer was appointed as the agency’s inaugural deputy commissioner for technology and artificial intelligence, bringing experience from a life‑science software startup and biotech investment advising.

These appointments aim to bring stability to the agency after a period of leadership turnover and signal a continued focus on emerging technologies in regulatory oversight.