Senate Confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director

Why it matters locally: The confirmation of a permanent CDC Director provides stable leadership for a federal agency whose guidance and resources are critical for public health initiatives and emergency preparedness across Kentucky, impacting local health departments and healthcare providers statewide.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her confirmation establishes a permanent director for the agency, a position that remained open for more than one year. Dr. Schwartz now assumes leadership of the CDC, an organization responsible for protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability.