Paul Thacker, a top researcher for Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) whose work transformed regulation of industry marketing practices, is leaving the Senator’s office to join the Project on Government Oversight. The move, which Thacker disclosed in an email, was first reported by Pharmalot’s Ed Silverman.

Digitas Health has named Susan Manber SVP, executive planning director and Mark Miller SVP, strategic services. Manber joins the firm from Lowe Alchemy, where she was EVP, chief strategy officer, and Miller joins from Epsilon, where he headed the healthcare consulting business.

MS&L named Matt Gardner SVP on its western US healthcare team. Gardner joins the company from life sciences trade group BayBio, which collaborated with MS&L on a 2007 campaign. He will report to Jeanine O’Kane, North American healthcare practice director.