WASHINGTON — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who played a vital role in the administration’s response to the pandemic for the past two years, is stepping down as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a position she has held since President Joe Biden took office in January. 2021.
His departure was confirmed Friday by the White House in a statement from Biden that said Walensky «has saved lives with his steadfast and unwavering focus on the health of all Americans.»
«As director of the CDC, she led a complex organization on the front lines of a once-in-a-generation pandemic with honesty and integrity. She brought together our best scientists and public health experts to turn the tide on the urgent crises we have faced,» Biden said.
The Chairman continued, «Dr. Walensky leaves CDC a stronger institution, better positioned to confront health threats and protect Americans. We have all benefited from her service and dedication to public health, and she I wish him the best in his next chapter.»
The statement did not identify why Walensky was leaving the Atlanta-based agency. His departure comes a few days after CDC employee Amy St. Pierre, 39, was shot and killed in downtown Atlanta on Wednesday.