Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA Announces New Board Chair; Welcomes New Board Member
Dr. Adrian Hernandez becomes Chair; Dr. Sandeep Menon joins Board of Directors
(February 6, 2026) The Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA (Foundation) has appointed Adrian F. Hernandez, MD, MHS, as Chair of its Board of Directors. Dr. Hernandez, who has served on the Board since 2019, is a cardiologist and the Vice Dean for Clinical Research at the Duke University School of Medicine. His career has centered on improving population health through rigorous clinical research, advancing understanding of health outcomes, and narrowing the gap between clinical efficacy and real‑world effectiveness.
The Foundation also welcomes Sandeep M. Menon, MD, PhD, MPH, MS, as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Menon is a physician‑scientist, a respected industry leader, and has a distinguished record of leading innovative drug development across multiple therapeutic areas—from target selection through regulatory approval. Most recently, he served as Chief Development Officer at Alnylam, overseeing Clinical Development and Safety. Before that he had a long career at Pfizer as the Senior Vice President and Head of Early Clinical Development and the Chief Scientific Officer of AI and Digital Sciences.
“Dr. Menon brings a rare combination of scientific depth, strategic insight, and real‑world development experience,” said Phil Febbo, MD, Vice Chair of the Foundation and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Veracyte, Inc. “His leadership and perspective will strengthen the Foundation’s work to support the FDA and advance regulatory science in ways that benefit the public’s health.”
The Foundation’s Board is comprised of 16 leaders representing academia, patient and consumer advocacy, FDA‑regulated industry, health care, and other key disciplines, as specified in its authorizing statute. A complete list of Board members and their biographies is available here.
The Foundation extends its deep appreciation to Richard L. Schilsky, MD, FASCO, who concluded his Board service after serving as Chair from 2023-26. Dr. Schilsky joined the Board in 2013.
“We are grateful for Dr. Schilsky’s steady leadership and strategic insight through every stage of the Foundation’s growth,” said Dr. Hernandez. “He has played a pivotal role in guiding the Foundation’s impact.”