New CDC head strikes conciliatory tone in first public appearance
Key Points:
- Dr. Erica Schwartz, the new CDC director, pledged to be an accessible and transparent leader to restore trust in the agency amid recent turmoil.
- She acknowledged the challenges faced by the CDC, including mass firings, low staff morale, and frequent leadership changes over the past 18 months.
- In her first public appearance since confirmation, Schwartz emphasized creating a psychologically safe environment where staff feel comfortable voicing disagreements.
- She encouraged CDC employees to provide honest feedback, stating she wants to hear what they need to say, not just what she wants to hear.