Newsom appoints ex-CDC officials to lead California’s new public health network

Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed two former CDC officials to lead California's new public health network, PHNIX. Dr. Susan Monarez, the former director of the CDC, will head PHNIX, a response to the Trump administration's dismantling of public health safeguards. The initiative aims to strengthen the state's public health capabilities. The appointments come as the state seeks to bolster its public health infrastructure, which has been weakened by the previous federal administration's policies. The new network is intended to improve California's ability to respond to public health emergencies and promote evidence-based practices. The move underscores the state's commitment to prioritizing public health and pandemic preparedness, as it seeks to address the shortcomings exposed by the COVID-19 crisis. The appointments of these experienced CDC professionals are expected to provide valuable expertise and leadership to California's public health efforts.