WASHINGTON—JULY 31, 2025—Susan Monarez, Ph.D., was sworn in today as Director of the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, jr.This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the CDC, signaling a renewed commitment to public health leadership and pandemic preparedness.
Dr. monarez assumes the role as the first Senate-confirmed director of the CDC in several years, bringing with her a distinguished career spanning disaster preparedness, biosecurity, and health innovation. Her leadership arrives at a critical juncture, as the nation continues to navigate the evolving landscape of infectious diseases and potential biosecurity threats. She will lead the agency in its renewed mission to prevent disease and defend against health threats at home and abroad—advancing President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s broader vision to Make America Healthy Again.
Restoring Trust and Modernizing Public Health
The CDC has faced scrutiny in recent years regarding its response to public health crises. Secretary Kennedy expressed full confidence in Dr. Monarez’s ability to rebuild public trust in the agency. “Dr. Monarez is a public health expert with unimpeachable scientific credentials,” he stated. “I have full confidence in her ability to restore the CDC’s role as the most trusted authority in public health and to strengthen our nation’s readiness to confront infectious diseases and biosecurity threats.” This commitment to clarity and scientific integrity will be central to the CDC’s revitalization under her leadership.
A key focus will be modernizing the CDC’s infrastructure and capabilities. This includes enhancing data collection methods, improving disease detection technologies, and accelerating the development of innovative treatments. Dr. Monarez’s experience at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) will be invaluable in this endeavor. ARPA-H, modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in health research and development. Her work there focused on transforming how the HHS operating division collects data, detects diseases, and develops treatments – skills directly applicable to strengthening the CDC’s core functions.
Director Monarez’s Vision for the CDC
“It is indeed a great honor to join Secretary Kennedy and his HHS leadership team,” said Director monarez. “I consider it a privilege to work alongside the public servants at CDC. Together we will strengthen and modernize the nation’s public health preparedness and response through science and innovation.We will work every day at CDC to Make America Healthy Again.”
Director Monarez’s vision extends beyond simply responding to crises. She aims to proactively identify and mitigate emerging health threats, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience. This proactive approach will involve strengthening partnerships with state and local health departments, and also international organizations, to create a more robust and coordinated public health network.
A Career Dedicated to Public Health and national Security
Prior to her appointment as CDC Director, Dr. Monarez served as Acting Director of the CDC and Deputy Director for ARPA-H. Her extensive background also includes leadership and advisory roles at the Biomedical Advanced research and Development Authority (BARDA) within HHS, the Department of Homeland Security, the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the National Security Council. This diverse experience demonstrates a deep understanding of the complex interplay between public health, national security, and scientific innovation.
Dr.monarez’s academic credentials further solidify her expertise. She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where her research focused on developing technologies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases. Her postdoctoral research fellowship at the Stanford University School of Medicine further honed her skills in translational research, bridging the gap between scientific finding and practical application.
Key Areas of Focus Under Director Monarez:
- Enhanced Disease Surveillance: Implementing advanced data analytics and genomic sequencing to rapidly detect and track emerging infectious diseases.
- Strengthened Biosecurity: Bolstering the nation’s defenses against biological threats, including research into novel countermeasures and improved laboratory safety protocols.
- Improved Vaccine Development and Distribution: Accelerating the development and equitable distribution of vaccines for both known and emerging pathogens.
- Public Health Workforce Development: Investing in training and recruitment to ensure a skilled and prepared public health workforce.
- Community Engagement: Building stronger relationships with communities to promote health equity and address health disparities.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Dr. Susan Monarez as CDC director represents a significant step towards strengthening the nation’s public health infrastructure and preparedness. Her leadership, combined with a renewed commitment to science and innovation, promises a brighter future for public health in the United States. The CDC, under her guidance, is poised to regain its position as a global leader in disease prevention and health security, safeguarding the health and well-being of all Americans.
