There is growing uncertainty.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is undergoing major changes in leadership, with five senior officials stepping down recently, following the departure of three others. These resignations reflect a significant portion of the agency’s leadership, with nearly one-third of its senior leaders leaving. While the resignations were initially discussed among senior management, the information was not publicly announced until later. The departures were confirmed by anonymous sources within the CDC.
The officials who resigned held critical positions at the agency. Leslie Ann Dauphin led the Public Health Infrastructure Center, Dr. Karen Remley oversaw the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Sam Posner managed the Office of Science, Debra Lubar directed the Office of Policy, Performance, and Evaluation, and Leandris Liburd headed the Office of Health Equity. These roles are vital in addressing public health concerns, managing health equity, and publishing important health data.
The CDC, with a budget of $9 billion and more than 13,000 employees, has been under increasing pressure. The agency plays a central role in managing public health crises, such as disease outbreaks, and has been particularly involved in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts suggest that the challenges of limited resources, shifting priorities, and mounting pressures have contributed to the recent leadership departures.
In addition to these changes, the White House recently nominated Susan Monarez as the new CDC director, though it’s unclear whether this influenced the resignations. There were also controversies earlier in the year regarding the layoff of over 500 probationary employees, a decision that was overturned by a judge. Some employees have reported that they have yet to be reinstated, which has added to the internal tensions at the agency.
With ongoing leadership changes and other challenges, experts warn that the future of the CDC is uncertain. The agency’s ability to carry out its mission effectively may be compromised as a result of its shifting priorities, strained resources, and recent leadership disruptions.
