White House to Nominate Susan Monarez as CDC Director

The Biden administration is set to nominate Susan Monarez, Ph.D., as the next Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to multiple reports citing administration officials. This nomination comes after the withdrawal of the previous nominee, Dave Weldon, M.D., earlier this month.

Monarez's Background and Experience

Dr. Monarez, who has been serving as the CDC's acting director since January, brings a unique background to the role. Unlike most recent CDC directors who typically hold medical degrees, Monarez has a Ph.D. and extensive experience in biomedical research and government service.

Prior to her current position, Monarez held a deputy director role at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a biomedical research group established by former President Joe Biden. Her government experience spans approximately 20 years, including roles in the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the National Security Council.

Throughout her career, Monarez has focused on critical public health issues such as:

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Pandemic preparedness
• Ethical use of artificial intelligence in healthcare
• Care affordability
• The ongoing opioid epidemic

Nomination Process and Potential Challenges

The nomination of Dr. Monarez marks a significant change in the appointment process for the CDC director. Following a legislative change in 2022, this will be the first time the position requires Senate confirmation.

The confirmation process is expected to scrutinize Monarez's stance on vaccines, particularly in light of the ongoing measles outbreak that began in Texas and the controversial response from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The vaccine issue proved to be a critical factor in the withdrawal of the previous nominee, Dave Weldon. In a statement following his withdrawal, Weldon suggested that pushback from Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) led to the end of his nomination, largely due to concerns over his views on childhood vaccinations.

Implications for Public Health Leadership

The nomination of Dr. Monarez represents a potential shift in leadership style at the CDC. Her background in biomedical research and extensive government experience, coupled with her focus on emerging health challenges, could bring a fresh perspective to the agency's approach to public health issues.

As the confirmation process unfolds, stakeholders in the public health sector will be closely watching to see how Monarez addresses key issues facing the CDC, including the agency's response to ongoing and future health crises, its approach to vaccine policy, and its role in shaping national health strategies.