Tamika Sims joins CropLife America as director of human health policy

Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CropLife America (CLA), announced that Dr. Tamika D. Sims will join CLA as the director of human health policy, effective September 16, 2015. As director, Sims will analyze the impact of regulatory initiatives on consumer health and the crop protection industry, including existing and emerging regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act; the Clean Water Act; and the Endangered Species Act. Dr. Sims will also develop approaches for supporting policies that enable farmers to access effective crop protection tools, such as through the submission of public comments, discussion with federal agencies or coordination with CLA member companies.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Sims join our science and regulatory policy team,” stated Vroom. “Her expertise in sustainability efforts, food safety and nutrition will help us better identify the potential effects of different regulatory initatives on consumer health and farmers’ ability to access pesticide tools. Her proven track record of leading committees, working with government agencies and collaborating with various organizations will help CropLife America to strategically work with our partners to support the advancement of crop protection technology and get affordable, healthy food to all.”

Before joining CLA, Dr. Sims was the director of science and research at the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). In that role, she was the chief staff liaison for the association’s relationships and activities with various scientific, industry, government, and academic organizations and trade associations. She also managed the IBWA Environmental Sustainability Committee, the Packaging Subcommittee, the Virus/Microbial Subcommittee and IBWA’s Drinking Water Research Foundation. Previously, at Independent Project Analysis, she performed project management consulting and work process re-organization for major companies in the process industries (including chemicals, pharmaceuticals and consumer products).

At CLA, Sims will report to Dr. Janet E. Collins, senior vice president of science and regulatory policy. “Dr. Sims’ background as a researcher and as a leader will help CLA to be even more effective in supporting policies that promote consumer health and ensure that farmers have the tools they need to produce enough nutritious food for everyone,” stated Collins. “Her publications and presentations demonstrate her exceptional ability to communicate technical information to a wide audience. With her leadership experience, academic achievements and precision in analysis, she will be a key member of our team.”

Dr. Sims received a Ph.D. in virology and immunology from the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She also holds a master of science degree in biomedical science with an emphasis in microbiology from Georgia State University. She completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College with a bachelor of science in biology.