Dr. Erica Schwartz, the newly appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), addressed agency staff for the first time on Wednesday. In her inaugural staff meeting, she committed to advocating for the CDC while recognizing the strain on employees and the staffing challenges due to congressionally funded programs.

Schwartz, who assumed leadership of the Atlanta-based federal agency just last week, follows a series of temporary directors. During the meeting, Schwartz emphasized her readiness to support the CDC amidst these challenges. She also mentioned an Associated Press report highlighting the shutdown of programs due to layoffs in the past administration. “The good news is, I’m here,” Schwartz stated, highlighting her intent to bring stability and advocacy to the agency. She plans to engage with staff to better understand and address their concerns.

Before her CDC appointment, Schwartz held positions with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Public Health Service. She stated her preference for resolving disagreements privately, away from public and media scrutiny, as a practice carried over from her uniformed service days. Schwartz reiterated her commitment to enhancing public trust through transparency, scientific principles, and straightforward communication; values echoed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The CDC, charged with protecting Americans from preventable health threats, faces a significant workforce reduction. Layoffs and resignations have resulted in the loss of over 3,000 employees, more than 25% of its workforce. Morale has suffered due to frequent leadership changes, with leadership roles filled by appointees lacking public health expertise.

Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, implemented measures contrary to CDC research, including dismantling an expert advisory group and creating a new one with members skeptical of vaccines. This move prompted questions during the staff meeting, particularly regarding Trump’s executive order on childhood vaccine schedules. Schwartz mentioned that a task force on childhood vaccine safety is forming and it has a 90-day reporting deadline to the former President.

Following the meeting, some CDC employees expressed cautious optimism about Schwartz’s sincerity, looking forward to her actions. The National Public Health Coalition, consisting of past and present CDC employees, released a statement emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes science and public health over politics. The Coalition stressed that rebuilding trust will require tangible actions.

The Associated Press’s Health and Science Department, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, maintains full responsibility for its content.