Former Republican policy advisor named as CDC Director and ATSDR Administrator

US Health and Human Services Secretary Dr Tom Price has named Dr Brenda Fitzgerald, as the 17th Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The CDC is one of the top federal public health agency, which, under President Donald Trump’s proposed budget, faces a funding cut of $1.2 billon.

“Today, I am extremely proud and excited to announce Dr Brenda Fitzgerald as the new Director of the CDC,” said Secretary Price, adding: “Having known Dr Fitzgerald for many years, I know that she has a deep appreciation and understanding of medicine, public health, policy and leadership - all qualities that will prove vital as she leads the CDC in its work to protect America’s health 24/7. We look forward to working with Dr Fitzgerald to achieve President Trump's goal of strengthening public health surveillance and ensuring global health security at home and abroad.”