US Government Health & Security Leadership: Key Officials (March 2026)

The landscape of U.S. Global health leadership currently features a mix of confirmed officials and vacant positions, as of March 16, 2026. Understanding who holds key roles within the White House, the Department of State, and agencies like the HHS and CDC is crucial for navigating the complex world of international health policy and pandemic preparedness. This overview details the current occupants of these positions, as well as those awaiting confirmation or remaining unfilled.

White House and Executive Office Oversight

At the highest level, National Security Advisor Marco Rubio plays a central role in coordinating health security matters within the National Security Council (NSC). The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), currently directed by Russ Vought, also exerts significant influence through its control over federal funding, impacting global health initiatives. The U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, oversees trade policies that can have profound effects on access to medicines and healthcare technologies globally. Notably, both the Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) and the Director of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR) positions are currently vacant.

Department of State: Diplomacy and Global Health Security

The Department of State houses a number of critical positions for global health. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leads the department, whereas Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz represents the U.S. On global health issues at the UN. Within the State Department, Jeremy Lewin serves as the Senior Official for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom. A dedicated focus on health security is maintained by Jeffrey Graham, Senior Bureau Official and Acting Global AIDS Coordinator within the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy. Rebecca Bunnell holds the role of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, further emphasizing the importance of this area. Brad Smith serves as Senior Advisor for Global Health Security and Diplomacy within the same bureau.

Beyond health-specific roles, the State Department also includes key positions related to human rights and migration, held by Riley Barnes (Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor) and Andrew Veprek (Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration), respectively. These roles are vital in addressing the social determinants of health and ensuring equitable access to healthcare in crisis situations. McCoy Pitt leads the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, influencing health-related policies within international bodies.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Domestic and International Coordination

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Currently serves as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the central agency for domestic health policy. Bethany Kozma directs the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) within HHS, coordinating international health efforts. Brian Christine is the Assistant Secretary for Health, overseeing a broad range of public health programs. The position of Surgeon General is currently held by Casey Means (Designate), awaiting confirmation. John Knox serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, a critical role in emergency preparedness and response.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), led by Gary Disbrow, focuses on developing medical countermeasures for public health threats.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Surveillance and Response

The CDC, a key agency within HHS, is currently led by Director Jay Bhattacharya. Henry Walke directs the Office of Readiness and Response, responsible for coordinating the CDC’s response to public health emergencies. Paige Alexandra Armstrong leads the Global Health Center (GHC), overseeing the CDC’s global health programs. Within the GHC, Benjamin Park directs the Division of Global Health Protection, and Hank Tomlinson leads the Division of Global HIV and TB. John Vertefeuille directs the Global Immunization Division. Simon Agolory heads the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, while Vivien Dugan leads the Influenza Division.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): Research and Innovation

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), also part of HHS, is directed by Jay Bhattacharya. Jeffrey Taubenberger leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a crucial agency for research on infectious diseases. Joyelle Dominique directs the Office of Global Research within NIAID. Robert Eisinger is the Acting Director of the Division of AIDS, while David Spiro leads the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Ted Pierson directs the Vaccine Research Center. Geri Donenberg serves as Director of the Office of AIDS Research, and Peter Kilmarx leads the Fogarty International Center. Satish Gopal directs the Center for Global Health at the National Cancer Institute, and Vesna Kutlesic leads the Office of Global Health at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Leonardo Cubillos directs the Center for Global Mental Health Research at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Other Agencies and Departments

Beyond HHS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is led by Commissioner Marty Makary, with Grace Graham as Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs, and Mark Abdoo as Associate Commissioner for Global Policy and Strategy. Thomas Engels serves as Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), with Heather Hauck as Associate Administrator of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS and Melissa Ryan Kemburu directing the Office of Global Health. In the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth is the Secretary, with Keith Bass as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Several commands and research institutes within the DoD also have key leadership positions focused on global health research and surveillance, including Eric Welsh (Naval Medical Research Command), Brad Hale (DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program), Brianna Perata (Walter Reed Army Institute of Research), Julie Ake (U.S. Military HIV Research Program), Richard Langton (Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division), and Brett Swierczewski (Global Emerging Infections Surveillance). Finally, Richard Swarttz leads the Peace Corps, and William Kirk chairs the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee.

The ongoing vacancies in key positions, particularly within the White House, highlight potential challenges in coordinating a comprehensive and effective U.S. Global health strategy. Continued monitoring of these appointments and the evolving roles of existing officials will be essential for understanding the direction of U.S. Engagement in global health security. Further information on global health initiatives at the NIH can be found at the Fogarty International Center website.