Rochelle Walensky is a distinguished American physician-scientist who served as the 19th director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2021 to 2023. Her tenure at the CDC was marked by her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the national response to the crisis. Under her guidance, the CDC implemented critical initiatives, including vaccination campaigns and strategies to improve public health communication, demonstrating her commitment to protecting the health of the American public.

Before her appointment at the CDC, Walensky was the chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Her extensive research on HIV/AIDS has significantly influenced public health policy, with over 300 publications to her name. Walensky’s innovative use of decision science and cost-effectiveness analyses has advanced access to HIV care both in the U.S. and internationally, showcasing her dedication to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Walensky’s contributions to public health extend beyond her research. She has served on various advisory councils, including the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council at the National Institutes of Health, and has been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the NIH MERIT Award. Her leadership and expertise have earned her a place in the National Academy of Medicine, reflecting her influence in the field.

Since leaving the CDC, Walensky has continued her commitment to public health as a lecturer at Harvard Law School and a Senior Fellow at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School. Her ongoing involvement in health policy and education underscores her dedication to advancing public health initiatives and fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders.