Strong, Evidence-Based Leadership at CDC Essential – SHEA Encourages Confirmed Leadership at CDC

SHEA is excited that the Senate has scheduled time to review the nomination of a new Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At a time when the nation continues to face evolving public health threats, strong, trusted, and qualified leadership at the CDC is essential to protecting the health and safety of all Americans.

The United States stands at a critical crossroads, where evidence-based public health leadership is needed to strengthen confidence in science, guide effective responses to emerging health challenges, and ensure the nation is prepared for future threats. The CDC plays a vital role in advancing infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health preparedness. Its ability to fulfill this mission depends on stable, credible leadership grounded in scientific integrity. 

While perspectives on public health policy may differ, the need for experienced leadership that prioritizes evidence-based decision-making and supports the CDC’s core mission remains paramount.

SHEA urges the Senate to give timely consideration to the nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Schwartz brings the experience, expertise, and leadership necessary to guide the agency at a time when trusted, science-driven public health leadership is essential. If confirmed, she should be empowered to lead the CDC with the authority and credibility needed to strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure and restore confidence in this vital institution.

SHEA looks forward to partnering with Dr. Schwartz and the CDC to advance infection prevention, combat antimicrobial resistance, strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, and improve the health and safety of patients and healthcare personnel across the country.

About SHEA
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America is a professional society representing physicians and other healthcare professionals around the world with expertise in healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. SHEA works to improve public health by advancing the science and practice of healthcare epidemiology and preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Media Contact:
Lindsay MacMurray
Director of Publications, Marketing & Membership
lmacmurrary@shea-online.org