NIH Director Bhattacharya to lead CDC after O'Neill's exit

He's the third leader of the public health agency since this summer.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya will take on leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on an acting basis, an administration official confirmed to STAT. Bhattacharya will still run NIH, as well. He is the third leader the public health agency has had since summer, after Susan Monarez was fired by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Jim O'Neill became acting director.

Why it matters

The frequent turnover at the top of the CDC during a critical time for public health raises concerns about the agency's stability and ability to effectively respond to emerging health challenges. Bhattacharya's dual role leading both the NIH and CDC could also raise questions about potential conflicts of interest or the ability to fully focus on the needs of each agency.

The details

Bhattacharya is taking the role of acting CDC director after the previous acting director, Health and Human Services Department Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill, exited the department. O'Neill will be nominated to run the National Science Foundation, the administration official said. Susan Monarez, who was confirmed by the Senate, led the CDC for 28 days before she was fired by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after she refused to preemptively sign off on vaccine policy.

  • In the summer of 2026, Susan Monarez became the CDC director.
  • On August 28, 2026, Monarez was fired by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after she refused to preemptively sign off on vaccine policy.
  • After Monarez's ouster, Jim O'Neill became the acting CDC director.
  • In February 2026, O'Neill exited the department, and Jay Bhattacharya took on the role of acting CDC director.

The players

Jay Bhattacharya

The National Institutes of Health Director who will now also serve as the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Jim O'Neill

The previous acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who will now be nominated to run the National Science Foundation.

Susan Monarez

The Senate-confirmed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who was fired after 28 days on the job for refusing to preemptively sign off on vaccine policy.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The health secretary who fired Susan Monarez from her role as CDC director.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

O'Neill will be nominated to run the National Science Foundation.

The takeaway

The leadership changes at the CDC highlight the political tensions and policy debates that can impact the stability and effectiveness of the nation's top public health agency, especially during challenging times.