LINDA M. KATZ is the Director of the Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC) at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), which regulates cosmetics and certifies colors used in foods, cosmetics, drugs, and devices.  Dr. Katz joined FDA in 1989 in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), first as a primary medical officer and later as Team Leader and Acting Director of the Pilot Drug Evaluation Staff (PDES), which reviewed anti-rheumatic drugs, anesthetic agents, and drugs of abuse.  During her time in PDES she helped to develop streamline reviews, through NDA Days, and modeling that could be used to determine product safety.  Her subsequent appointments in CDER included Deputy Director of the Division of Dermatologic and Dental Drug Products, and Deputy Director of the Division of Over-the-Counter Drug Products. In the latter position, she assisted in developing the OTC Drug Fact Label that went into effect in 1999, as well as developing the Mall Intercept Study concept which became a critical piece in prescription to OTC switches. 

In 2002, Dr. Katz moved into her present position in OCAC, and additionally served 10 years as the Acting Chief Medical Officer for CFSAN, involved in some highly critical issues.  In her current role as OCAC Office Director, Dr. Katz is responsible for establishing the strategic plans for OCAC and directing regulatory and research activities.  She also is responsible for liaising with industry, nongovernmental organizations, consumers, stakeholder groups, and national and international regulators on policy and research related issues.  She is recognized nationally and internationally for cosmetic initiatives involving harmonization, safety, and legislative activities, including her years of work on cosmetic modernization, and being one of the founding members and the lead U.S. negotiator representing FDA at the International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR), and serving as Chair of these meetings on four occasions.   She collaborates with the Center Director and other key Center and Agency officials for the development and advancement of the Office plans, programs, objectives, and priorities and represents the Office in written or oral media communications including major press, local and national news.