Spring Fling 2018

On June 12, 2018, the FDA Alumni Association hosted its 9th Annual Spring Fling in the Great Room at FDA Headquarters in White Oak, MD. Over 70 current and former FDA staff attended the event and enjoyed delicious BBQ catered by Red Hot & Blue.

This year’s Spring Fling was especially meaningful as the FDAAA honored Jim Benson, a founding member for the Board of FDAAA and former Acting Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Joe Levitt, Former Chair of FDAAA, presented Jim’s wife, Cynthia Benson, with a plaque to commemorate the naming of the scholarship fund for students enrolled in the Temple University School of Pharmacy’s Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs graduate program in honor of Jim. CDRH’s current Director, Dr. Jeff Shuren, also spoke about Jim’s service, noting his dedication to CDRH and to FDA, and his commitment to promoting public health.

Dr. Gottlieb informally addressed the group, highlighting FDA’s accomplishments during his first year as Commissioner as well as the Agency’s top public health priorities. The Commissioner took questions from the group on a range of topics, including plans for the CDER/OND reorganization, the 2019 budget request, how the Agency can help manage the ongoing opioid epidemic, and how technology has allowed the Agency to communicate more effectively to consumers.

We are thankful to everyone who joined the Spring Fling and look forward to continuing the tradition!

“Former Chair of FDAAA, Joe Levitt, presents Cynthia Benson with a commemorative plaque
honoring her husband, Jim Benson.”

“FDA alumni and guests (from left to right) Daniel Ghazi, Julie Zawisza, Cynthia Benson, Ed Steele,
Nancy Myers, and Dr. Jeff Shuren.”

“FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb addresses the group.”