California Appoints Former CDC Officials to Lead Public Health Network

Dec 17, 2025, 2:24 AM

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of two former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials to lead a new public health initiative aimed at modernizing the state's health infrastructure. Dr Susan Monarez, who briefly served as CDC Director before her dismissal, will function as the strategic health technology and funding adviser for the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX). Dr Debra Houry, the former CDC Chief Medical Officer, will serve as a senior regional and global public health medical adviser for the initiative.

The establishment of PHNIX comes in response to what Newsom describes as the dismantling of public health safeguards under the previous administration. Monarez was fired by the Trump administration shortly after taking office, reportedly due to her refusal to align with the administration's vaccine policies. Both Monarez and Houry have been vocal critics of the previous administration's approach to public health, particularly regarding vaccine policy.

Newsom emphasized that PHNIX aims to create a "modern public health infrastructure" that will provide trust and stability in scientific data, not just within California but also on a national and global scale. The initiative will focus on technology development, modernizing information infrastructure, and establishing funding frameworks to ensure sustainable public health practices.

Dr Erica Pan, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director, highlighted the urgency of building a robust public health framework to counteract the "dramatic and unfounded changes" in federal policy that have created uncertainty in health care. She expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Monarez and Houry to enhance California's public health strategies.

PHNIX is also expected to foster collaborations with private sector and academic partners to advance technological innovations that can improve public health data integration and disease monitoring. Monarez stated, "California has an extraordinary concentration of talent, technology, and investment, and this effort is about putting those strengths to work for the public good."@ [1].

In addition to leading PHNIX, Houry will engage with existing public health alliances to develop a more extensive and sustainable public health network. This includes coordinating responses to evolving gaps in federal leadership and ensuring that California remains aligned with evidence-based public health practices.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Newsom to position California as a leader in public health, especially in light of the challenges posed by the previous administration's policies. California has already joined forces with states like Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington to form the West Coast Health Alliance, which aims to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by safety, efficacy, and transparency.

Monarez and Houry's appointments reflect a commitment to science-driven decision-making and the protection of public health in California. As the state moves forward with PHNIX, it aims to rebuild trust in public health institutions and empower communities to make informed health choices. This initiative is seen as critical to navigating the complexities of public health in the current environment, where misinformation and skepticism can hinder effective health responses.

Overall, the establishment of PHNIX marks a significant step in California's effort to modernize its public health infrastructure and ensure that it is equipped to handle future health challenges. With experienced leaders at the helm, the state is poised to advance its public health agenda and set an example for other states to follow.

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