#United States #Washington #Consumer Product Safety #CPSC #Colette Devine

CPSC Appoints Colette Devine Chief Enforcement Officer

On September 28, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the appointment of Colette Devine as its new Chief Enforcement Officer, marking a significant evolution in the agency's commitment to consumer safety. This title replaces the previous Director of Compliance position, underscoring CPSC's intensified focus on enforcement and regulation in light of growing concerns about unsafe consumer products, especially those available through online marketplaces.

The Role and Its Importance

Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman expressed confidence in Colette Devine's capabilities, indicating that her expertise will further enhance the CPSC's efforts to combat the increasing prevalence of dangerous and non-compliant products entering the U.S. market. Devine's background in compliance, investigations, and risk management equips her to effectively lead this charge. With a surge in recalls and safety alerts—542 in 2025 alone, the highest in CPSC's history—the agency recognizes the pressing need for robust enforcement measures.

Devine's previous experience spans over two decades across various multinational operations, giving her a unique perspective on regulatory governance in a global context. Prior to her CPSC appointment, she served as the Assistant General Counsel and Deputy Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at AES Corporation. Here, she advised on regulatory risks and led an international team focused on compliance and third-party risk management.

Strengthening Partnerships and Enforcement Efforts

Since her onboarding, CPSC has notably strengthened its partnerships with the Department of Justice and other law enforcement entities. These collaborations have not only yielded significant civil and criminal enforcement actions but have also paved the way for the agency's first criminal sentencing arising from a prosecution as well as the initiation of a lawsuit under Section 12 of the Consumer Product Safety Act—an action not taken in nearly 40 years.

The establishment of the Chief Enforcement Officer position refines the agency's approach, allowing for a more coordinated and authoritative oversight of compliance with federal product safety laws. This proactive strategy is critical in addressing the risks posed to American consumers by unsafe products, especially against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving retail landscape dominated by online sales.

Future Goals and Objectives

As the head of the Office of Compliance and Field Operations, Colette Devine will be tasked with leading ongoing initiatives to enhance enforcement of federal product safety regulations. Her leadership is expected to improve the agency's ability to identify hazardous products, hold organizations that breach safety laws accountable, and ultimately safeguard consumers from the risks posed by unsafe products in the market.

CPSC's mission is to shield the public from unnecessary risks of injury associated with consumer products, with a staggering cost of over $1 trillion attributed to product-related injuries annually. The agency has long worked to improve product safety, and Devine's leadership is poised to further this important agenda.

Conclusion

The appointment of Colette Devine as CPSC's Chief Enforcement Officer signifies a pivotal moment for consumer product safety regulation in the U.S. By emphasizing enforcement, the agency reflects a commitment to protecting American consumers from potentially dangerous products, reaffirming its role as a guardian of consumer safety in an increasingly complex marketplace. As we move forward, the effectiveness of her strategies and the agency’s enhanced enforcement capabilities will play critical roles in reducing injuries and preventing incidents related to unsafe products.