— Schwartz brings new leadership to an agency without a director for nearly a year
August 5, 2026
• 2 min read
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Erica Schwartz, MD, MPH, JD, as director of the CDC, placing her in charge of a public health agency beleaguered by political meddling and low morale.
Schwartz was confirmed in a 51-44 vote. The 54-year-old becomes the 22nd leader of the Atlanta-based CDC, which is charged with protecting Americans from preventable health threats, and the agency's first confirmed director in nearly a year. Her resume includes medical and law degrees, a stint as deputy surgeon general, and a leadership position at the U.S. Coast Guard.
