Heidi Overton, a White House aide, oncologist Jeffrey Vacirca, and senior Pentagon health official Stephen Ferrara are the top contenders for the next FDA commissioner. The agency seeks to improve its industry relations and rehire staff after the previous commissioner's departure. Overton serves as deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. Vacirca is the CEO of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and formerly led the Community Oncology Alliance. Ferrara is currently the Pentagon's principal deputy assistant secretary for health affairs. He previously held chief medical officer roles for the Navy and the CIA. Sources express the most enthusiasm for Ferrara, citing his management experience. Overton, a former mentee of the past commissioner, raises concerns about potential industry and staff disruption. Ferrara and Vacirca are less known but also have management backgrounds. The timing of the decision and announcement is uncertain, and the nominee will face Senate confirmation.