Amandeus Watkins

About Amandeus Watkins

I currently serve as the Director of the Office of Administrative Operations within the Office of New Drugs (OND) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). With more than 30 years of public service experience, I’ve built a career rooted in operational leadership, specializing in budget and finance, strategic planning, human capital, and organizational management. Throughout my career, I’ve led teams of 25+ professionals and overseen combined budgets exceeding $350 million. I previously served as the Chief of Operations and International Travel for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I directed critical operational functions supporting global program execution. In addition, I’ve held key leadership roles in various federal and local government agencies, including the Department of Labor, National Mediation Board, Department of Energy, and the D.C. Department of Real Estate Services. I hold a Master of Science in Organizational Management from Trinity University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Maryland. I bring a leadership style that is strategic, collaborative, and people-focused. I’m committed to building high-performing teams, advancing public sector innovation, and delivering lasting impact through effective operations and service.

Experience

1. Director of Administrative Operations

   FDA

   Nov 2020 — Present

Education

• University of Maryland University College

  Bachelor’s Degree

  1999 — 2001

• Trinity University-Washington

  Master’s Degree

  2005 — 2006

• University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

• Prince George's Community College

  Associate’s Degree

  1996 — 1999