Janet Woodcock, former director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at FDA, and Paul T. Kim, principal of Kendall Square Policy Strategies LLC, were appointed to the board of directors at Friends of Cancer Research.

Woodcock has been an advocate and ally for Friends for over 25 years.

Most recently, Woodcock served as principal deputy commissioner of FDA, spearheading a major reorganization of FDA’s foods program and the Office of Regulatory Affairs. Prior to that, Woodcock served as an acting FDA commissioner.

Woodcock served as director of CDER for over 20 years in addition to holding other senior positions at FDA, including at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. During the COVID pandemic she was the therapeutics lead for “Operation Warp Speed.”

Kim’s expertise spans federal life sciences and public health policy, in particular FDA and public health issues. With over 30 years of experience in public policy, Kim currently serves as principal of Kendall Square Policy Strategies LLC, providing advice on FDA, life science, and public health policy.

Previously, Kim was head of FDA and federal government strategies practices at a leading law firm for 20 years, representing biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical technology companies, trade associations, and patient advocacy groups before FDA, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS ASPR/BARDA, and Congress.

Earlier in his career, Kim served as counsel to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, Rep. Henry Waxman, and Sen. David Pryor.

“We are honored to welcome Janet Woodcock and Paul Kim to the Friends of Cancer Research Board of Directors,” Ellen Sigal, Friends’ chair and founder, said in a statement. “Both bring an extraordinary depth of expertise, vision, and unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes. Janet’s transformative leadership at the FDA and Paul’s exceptional contributions to public health policy will undoubtedly strengthen our mission to drive progress in cancer research and treatment. We look forward to having them join us in this vital work.”