You’ll want to take advantage of the numerous formal and informal networking opportunities that RAPS has arranged for you! The 2008 RAPS Annual Conference & Exhibition is the largest gathering exclusively for regulatory professionals, and we know that you'll want to take every opportunity to develop your professional network of regulatory colleagues.

Leonard Stauffer Award

Kim Walker, MS, RAC
The Leonard Stauffer Award recognizes exceptional contributions to mentoring and furthering regulatory professional education development including special achievements related to Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC). Kim Walker, MS, RAC is an independent global regulatory affairs and quality assurance consultant. Her work experience includes environmental chemistry, veterinary science, blood banking, microbiology, IVDs, biologics, pharmaceuticals, combination products and medical devices in both startup and large company environments. Ms. Walker has served on the Orange County Regulatory Affairs Discussion Group (OCRA) program committee and has coordinated the OCRA RAC study group for the past five years. Additionally, she has served on the OCRA Board of Directors for the past four years and is the 2008-09 president. Ms. Walker has earned both the US and EU RAC certifications. She holds a BS in biomedical sciences from Auburn University and an MS in regulatory affairs from San Diego State University.

Global Leadership Award

Salma Michor, PhD, RAC
The Global Leadership Award recognizes professionals who exemplify leadership and contributions toward development of the regulatory profession and toward increasing awareness of RAPS in societies and economies worldwide. Salma Michor, PhD, RAC is an independent consultant to the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, specializing in regulatory affairs and regulatory compliance, quality assurance, risk management and interim management, and acts as a European Authorised Representative. Previously, she worked for Chiesi-Torrex, Wyeth Whitehall and, most recently, Croma Pharma, where she was director of supporting operations, supervising regulatory affairs and compliance, change control and lifecycle management, pharmaceutical editing and packaging and the medical department. Dr. Michor served as an independent expert for the European Commission evaluating and reviewing industrial research projects for SMEs and the Marie Curie Fellowships programme for the 6th and 7th Framework programmes. In addition, she teaches regulatory affairs and clinical strategies as part of the two MBA courses offered by the University of Krems, in Austria. She holds a PhD in bioengineering and an MSc in food and biotechnology from the University of Applied Life Sciences in Vienna and an MSc from King’s College, University of London, in food technology. She has earned her EU RAC Certification and is currently pursuing an MBA with the Open University. Dr. Michor is a member of RAPS Board of Editors for Regulatory Focus magazine.

Special Recognition Award

Rita Hoffman, RAC
The Special Recognition Award recognizes unique contributions and achievements of individuals and organizations that advance the quality of health and the regulatory profession. Rita Hoffman, RAC, is the Recall Branch Chief for FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), responsible for the oversight and review for all medical device recalls submitted for health risk classification. She provides guidance to FDA district recall coordinators on recall recommendations initiated by regulated industry and on recall strategy for the recall depth, effectiveness check and audit check, in addition to health hazard evaluations and recommendations. In more than 30 years with FDA, Ms. Hoffman has worked on many aspects of agency compliance and policy in the areas of drugs, devices and veterinary products. During her tenure with FDA, she has received a number of awards including the FDA Leveraging and Collaboration Award, FDA Commendable Service Award, FDA Outstanding Recognition Awards, CDER/OC Outstanding Recognition Award and several CDER Team Excellence Awards. Hoffman has earned her US RAC certification and has been co-chair of RAPS’ Baltimore/ Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter for the past three years, working in collaboration with both chapter members and FDA to increase professional awareness of regulatory issues. She has been a RAPS member for 25 years. Hoffman holds a BS in speech pathology and audiology from the University of Maryland and has completed advanced course work in both chemistry and regulatory policy.

Special Recognition Award

Kenichi Matsumoto
This Special Recognition Award honors the exceptional support of Kenichi Matsumoto in helping to establish the RAPS Japan Affiliate and to solidly build its stature and influence, as well as his long-term and distinguished commitment to advancing the international healthcare sector. Mr. Matsumoto’s career in the healthcare industry spans more than 45 years. Currently, he serves as chairman and representative director, Sakura FineTec Japan K.K.; chairman and representative director, Sakura FineTec Europe BV; and chairman and representative director, Sakura Seiki K.K. Mr. Matsumoto is also advisor of International Committee, MHLW, People’s Republic of China; advisor of China-Japan Friendship Hospital, MHLW, People’s Republic of China; and chairman of the Japan Healthcare Industry Executive Association. In addition, he has received a number of distinguished awards, including the Conferment of Decoration, presented by the Emperor of Japan.