The Trump administration has announced a new nominee to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after the withdrawal of its previous candidate, Dr. David Weldon. Susan Coller Monarez, who currently serves as the acting director at the CDC, is set to take on the role if confirmed by the Senate.
Monarez brings with her nearly two decades of experience in various government roles, including positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Her extensive background includes serving at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, founding the HRSA Center of Innovation at the Health Resources and Services Administration, and most recently, acting as deputy director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).
During her time at ARPA-H, Monarez spearheaded the development and launch of over $2 billion in programs and projects aimed at addressing public health and care delivery challenges. She also led efforts in agency data innovation strategy and data systems architecture design, including pioneering generative AI capabilities.
Monarez’s focus on AI and machine learning projects has targeted key public health challenges such as affordability and accessibility, behavioral and mental health interventions, the opioid epidemic, maternal morbidity and mortality disparities, and organ donation and transplantation programs.
The decision to nominate Monarez comes after the White House withdrew its initial pick, Dr. David Weldon, due to concerns about his vaccine-skeptical views. President Trump expressed confidence in Monarez’s abilities, citing her dedication to protecting children, communities, and the future.
If confirmed, Monarez would be the first nonphysician to lead the CDC in over 50 years. Her nomination has been met with support from public health leaders, who see her as a data-driven and effective civil servant with a strong reputation in infectious diseases research.
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, praised Monarez’s expertise in public health and expressed optimism about working with her. Jennifer Nuzzo, professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health, also welcomed Monarez’s appointment, highlighting her understanding of the critical roles of technology and data in transforming public health.
Overall, the public health community is hopeful that Monarez’s leadership will bring positive changes to the CDC and other health agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Monarez is poised to lead the agency towards a stronger and more efficient future, ultimately improving health outcomes for all Americans.
