CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz tells staffers she will advocate for them

Key Points:

• Dr. Erica Schwartz, the new CDC director, pledged to advocate for the agency and address issues of staff burnout and understaffed congressionally funded programs during her first large staff meeting.
• Schwartz emphasized private disagreement with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., avoiding public disputes, and committed to building public trust through transparency, scientific rigor, and honest communication.
• The CDC has lost over 3,000 employees, more than a quarter of its workforce, leading to low morale amid leadership instability and political appointees lacking public health expertise.
• Schwartz acknowledged ongoing challenges, including a task force on childhood vaccine safety established under Trump’s executive order, and expressed intent to engage with staff to improve conditions.
• While some CDC employees view Schwartz as earnest, public health advocates stress the need for her to demonstrate strong, independent leadership that prioritizes science over political pressure.