president Donald Trump He announced Thursday that he has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to be the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here’s everything you need to know about her and what it means for the agency.
She has a strong military, medical and legal background
Erica Schwartz has worked in public service for many years. according to nbcShe then served for more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy, the Public Health Service Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard, where she became a Rear Admiral.
She studied biomedical engineering and medicine at Brown University. She also earned a master’s degree in public health and a law degree from the University of Maryland.
President Donald Trump praised her on Truth Social: “She’s a star!”
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She has worked with Trump before
This is not the first time she has worked with Trump. She served as associate surgeon general during his first term and stepped down in 2021.
Trump also spoke about her experience on The Truth Society, writing: “Erica graduated from Brown University College and Medical School, had a distinguished career as an MD in the United States Army, the greatest and most powerful military in the world, and then served as my deputy surgeon general during my first term.”
CDC has been without a permanent leader for months
Erica Schwartz is in hot water at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to NBC, the CDC has not confirmed a permanent director since August last year.
President Donald Trump’s first choice, Dave Weldon, was dropped in March 2025 after it became clear he would not be confirmed. Susan Monarez briefly held the position, but was ousted less than a month later over disagreements over vaccine policy.
Following his exit, Jim O’Neill served briefly before Jay Bhattacharya took over as acting director.
She still needs Senate confirmation as challenges remain
Schwartz’s nomination has not yet been finalized. According to reports, she must be confirmed by the Senate to officially become a director. CNBC.
If confirmed, she would take charge of an agency facing several problems, including unstable leadership, low staff morale and ongoing changes in vaccine policy.
Her father’s estate and her net worth
Erica Schwartz comes from a family with a strong background in service, according to Aveanna Healthcare and Brown Alumni Magazine. Her father joined the Navy when he was 17 and went on to spend a long career in the military. He taught his children the value of serving their country, and Erica followed that path.
From an early age, she knew she wanted to do the same. She also joined the Navy in 1994, the same year she completed her biomedical engineering degree and began Brown University’s medical program.
Her exact net worth is not disclosed. However, according to Change to gasolineAs of July 16, 2025, her net worth is $2.67 million.
