Dr. LaTonya Mitchell currently serves as the Acting Director for the Office of Human Food Inspectorate Central at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), overseeing food safety inspections and compliance activities across the central United States. With over three decades at the FDA, they bring deep regulatory expertise and leadership to the agency’s food safety mission. Prior to their current role, they served as Program Division Director from 2021 to 2024, and before that, held the position of District Director for the Office of Human and Animal Food in the West Division II and Division West IV, based in Denver. Throughout their career, they have led numerous field operations and program initiatives aimed at strengthening public health protections. They hold a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Services Administration with a leadership concentration from Walden University and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University.