David Kessler

David Kessler

Keynote Speaker: Former FDA Commissioner, Expert in Public Health, Grief Management Specialist

David Kessler Biography

Dr. David Kessler is the Board Chair and Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and a professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF. He notably served as the Commissioner of the United States Food and Drug Administration from 1990 to 1997, appointed by President G. H. W. Bush and reappointed by President Bill Clinton.

Kessler also held positions as the Dean of the medical schools at Yale and the University of California-San Francisco. He has a broad range of experience in research, clinical medicine, education, administration, and the law. He graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Amherst in 1973, received his JD from The University of Chicago Law School in 1978, where he was a member of the Law Review, and his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1979. His internship and residency in pediatrics were completed at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and in 1986, he earned an advanced professional certificate from the New York University Graduate School of Business Administration.

Kessler is not only known for his pivotal role at the FDA as detailed in his book "A Question of Intent: A Great American Battle With A Deadly Industry" but also for his insights into public health challenges as shown in his other works such as "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite," which was a New York Times bestseller, and "Capture: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering." Moreover, he is the author of six books including "Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief," "You Can Heal Your Heart," "Life Lessons," "Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms," "The Needs of the Dying," and "On Grief and Grieving," which further establish his expertise on topics of grief and loss, drawing from extensive personal and professional experiences. These themes are reiterated through his role as the Chief Empathy Officer of Empathy, an HR product aimed at supporting employees facing loss and grief, and as the founder of grief.com, a significant resource for those dealing with grief.

Throughout his career, Kessler has maintained affiliations with various boards and organizations, is a member of the Institute of Medicine, and has earned numerous awards and honors, affirming his contributions to both medical and public health fields. His work has been recognized by influential figures, including Saint (Mother) Teresa, and he continues to enlighten professionals across various fields, including healthcare and law enforcement, on end-of-life care, trauma, and grief handling.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on David Kessler and other top speakers and celebrities.

David Kessler Speaking Topics

Obesity & Food in America

Big Pharma Drug Regulation & Approval

The Tobacco Industry: Impact & Influence

David Kessler Videos

Albert Einstein College of Medicine 2021 Commencement Speaker ...
The New Normal: Dr. David Kessler - YouTube
Fast Carbs. Slow Carbs.

How do I book David Kessler to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like David Kessler for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for David Kessler, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for David Kessler or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book David Kessler for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for David Kessler, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire David Kessler, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does David Kessler speak about?

David Kessler is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Health, Business Leadership, Healthcare, Political, Change Management, Inspirational, Business, Innovation, Science, Work-Life Balance and Technology.

Where does David Kessler travel from?

David Kessler generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for David Kessler?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like David Kessler for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book David Kessler for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host David Kessler or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


David Kessler is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Health, Business Leadership and Healthcare. The estimated speaking fee range to book David Kessler for live events is $20,000 - $30,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. David Kessler generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Toby Cosgrove, Peter Diamandis and Dr. Joel Selanikio. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling David Kessler for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/11/2024.

David Kessler Speaking Topics

  • Obesity & Food in America

  • Big Pharma Drug Regulation & Approval

  • The Tobacco Industry: Impact & Influence

David Kessler Videos

Albert Einstein College of Medicine 2021 Commencement Speaker ...
The New Normal: Dr. David Kessler - YouTube
Fast Carbs. Slow Carbs.
Former FDA Commissioner David Kessler: Obesity problem 'is ...
Deep Dive: Six FDA Commissioners Take the Stage
  • How do I book David Kessler to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like David Kessler for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for David Kessler, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for David Kessler or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book David Kessler for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for David Kessler, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire David Kessler, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does David Kessler speak about?

    David Kessler is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Health, Business Leadership, Healthcare, Political, Change Management, Inspirational, Business, Innovation, Science, Work-Life Balance and Technology.
  • Where does David Kessler travel from?

    David Kessler generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for David Kessler?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like David Kessler for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book David Kessler for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host David Kessler or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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