Hot Topics with FEMA Staff

Christie Harman currently serves as FEMA’s Scientific Director as well as Policy Advisor to the FEMA Expert Panel.  Christie has over 20 years of experience overseeing FEMA’s various science programs and ensuring the successful operation of the FEMA GRAS program.  She has authored or co-authored numerous scientific publications on subjects including the proper use and labeling of flavorings, sensory testing guidance on flavorings with modifying properties, and the safety assessment of flavoring ingredients. Christie received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech and a Masters of Public Health from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.

Anthony (Tony) Pavel is a globally recognized expert in food law, and a Partner at Keller and Heckman LLP, an international law firm with a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, public policy, and litigation. Mr. Pavel is a trusted advisor and team-oriented leader, with decades of experience managing multi-disciplinary projects, balancing the diverse regulatory interests of numerous industry groups, and providing regulatory compliance and strategic counseling to a broad range of food, feed and biotechnology companies.

John Hallagan serves as FEMA’s General Counsel and Senior Advisor and Legal Advisor to the FEMA Expert Panel. In his current roles, he provides legal, regulatory, and scientific services to the association and its members. John has served FEMA in a variety of capacities during his forty-five years of service, including as a Staff Scientist, an Associate Attorney, and as Scientific Director for FEMA during which time the flavor industry initiated several major scientific programs to work towards a global open positive list of flavoring substances. He has published extensively on the topics of flavor safety and regulation, the FEMA GRAS program, and flavor and food labeling.