According to the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Silver Spring, MD, FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford resigned Friday, September 23rd, just two months after being named full commissioner in July. He had served as Acting Commissioner for all but 16 months since the Bush administration first appointed him to that role in February 2002. The Associated Press reported the resignation, effective immediately, noting that it was a surprise. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt accepted Crawford’s resignation “with sadness,” said department spokeswoman Christina Pearson. “We thank him for his service and wish him well.” Asked if he was forced to resign, Pearson declined further comment, calling it a personnel issue. Mr. Leavitt did not immediately name an acting director of FDA, or a new candidate for the top post.