Trump Taps CDC Leadership Team Including Director Nominee Erica Schwartz and Texas Health Official Jennifer Shuford

President Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a physician and former deputy surgeon general, to lead the CDC. A preventive medicine specialist and former U.S. Public Health Service rear admiral, Schwartz brings extensive military and federal public health experience, including leadership roles in the Navy, Coast Guard, and COVID-19 response efforts. If confirmed by the Senate, she would oversee the agency during a period of organizational transition. Read more from Stat News here.

Dr. Jennifer Shuford, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, has been tapped to serve as CDC chief medical officer as part of the same leadership slate. An infectious disease physician, she previously led Texas’ COVID-19 response and helped manage the state’s 2025 measles outbreak. A strong advocate for vaccines and evidence-based prevention, Shuford is expected to transition from her state role in order to assume the federal position. Read more from the Texas Tribune here.