Dennis E. Baker

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Regional Food & Drug Director

Southwest Regional Office

Mr. Baker is the Regional Food and Drug Director (RFDD), of the Food and Drug Administration's Southwest Region. He assumed this role in January 2003. As RFDD, he is responsible for directing the programs of the Food and Drug Administration carried out within the 11‑state Southwest Region. This includes the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. It also includes the entire southwest border from Brownsville, Texas to San Diego, California. As RFDD, he manages four District Offices, two District Laboratories, and one Regional Laboratory, he develops regional programs, he plans and evaluates the effectiveness of overall regional efforts, and he coordinates the use of resources allocated to the region to accomplish these plans.

Mr. Baker assumed his current position as RFDD following service as the Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs in Rockville Maryland. Prior to that, he served as the Bureau Chief, Bureau of Food and Drug Safety, Texas Department of Health.

Dennis has served on the boards of several national organizations involved in the development of laws, regulations, and policies in the areas of foods, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. He is a past president of the Association of Food and Drug Officials and a recipient of the prestigious Harvey W. Wiley Award.

Mr. Baker is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University, receiving a Bachelors degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Public Administration.

Dennis and his wife, Missy, have two daughters, Staci and Carri, who reside in Austin.