Key Leadership in U.S. Global Health Security
Understanding who leads the charge in protecting global health is crucial, especially as interconnected health threats continue to emerge. This overview details the key individuals currently steering critical U.S. agencies and programs dedicated to global health security as of September 5, 2025. It’s designed to provide you with a clear picture of the leadership landscape.
Department of Defense Leadership
The Department of Defense plays a notable role in global health, particularly in research, surveillance, and response to infectious diseases. Here’s a look at the key figures:
* Director, Defense Health agency (DHA): dr. Michael Brennan currently leads this vital agency.
* Commander,U.S. Army Medical Research and Progress command (USAMRDC): Brad Hale is at the helm of this command.
* Commander, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR): Brianna Perata directs research efforts at WRAIR.
* Director, U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP): Julie Ake leads the MHRP’s groundbreaking work.
* Chief, Armed Forces Health Surveillance division (AFHSD): Richard Langton oversees military health surveillance.
* Chief, Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS), AFHSD: This position is currently vacant.
Leadership Across Other U.S. Agencies & departments
Beyond the Department of Defense, numerous other agencies contribute to global health security. Here’s a breakdown of their leadership:
* Peace Corps Director: Paul Shea currently leads the Peace Corps.
* Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) chair: Michael Horowitz chairs this critical oversight committee.
* Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Executive Director: Kenneth Dieffenbach serves as the PRAC’s executive director.
* Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary: Brooke Rollins leads the USDA.
* Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs: This position is currently vacant.
* Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chief Medical Officer: Dev Jani provides medical leadership within DHS.
Understanding the Landscape
You might be wondering about “acting” officials or those awaiting confirmation. Officials currently serving in an acting capacity are indicated in italics. Those nominated or awaiting Senate confirmation are noted as “Designate.” “Tbd” signifies that a leader has yet to be resolute.
Moreover,the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its various institutes and centers play a substantial role in global health initiatives. You can find more detailed information about these efforts at https://www.fic.nih.gov/Global/Global-Health-NIH/Pages/institute-center-ics-global-health.aspx.
This information is intended to provide a current snapshot of the leadership driving U.S. global health security efforts.Staying informed about these key individuals and their roles is essential for anyone involved in or following this critical field.