CDC Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

CDC has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, information management, and medical oversight.

Committed to safeguarding national wellness, CDC advances public health through rigorous disease control, prevention programs, and health promotion initiatives across the United States.

Leadership Roles at CDC

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jamion Fitz
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Irakli Zarkua
  • Director and Chief Financial Officer - Christa Capozzola
  • Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer - Margie Fields
  • Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer - Gail Unger
  • Ceopresident - Randy Wehrmeister
  • Chief of Staff - Carolyn Austin
  • Chief Technology Officer - Stephen (Steve) Warren
  • Chief Information Officer - Jonathan Towner
  • Chief Medical Officer - Pragna Patel
  • Jamion Fitz - Chief Executive Officer

    Jamion Fitz, the Chief Executive Officer at CDC, directs the overarching strategic vision for national public health initiatives. Fitz architects high-level policy frameworks to address emerging disease threats and chronic health conditions. By coordinating with federal agencies, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the alignment of prevention programs with long-term health goals. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational structures to optimize resource allocation across the United States. Jamion Fitz maintains rigorous standards for data-driven decision-making, fostering a culture of excellence within the institute. Through constant evaluation of public health metrics, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of protecting citizens from health hazards. Fitz secures the necessary support for large-scale interventions, ensuring that the institute remains at the forefront of global health security while maintaining operational efficiency and public trust in all government-led health promotion efforts.

    Irakli Zarkua - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Irakli Zarkua, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at CDC, oversees the foundational governance and long-term sustainability of public health infrastructure. Zarkua manages the integration of private-sector efficiency into federal health programs to maximize impact. By evaluating organizational performance, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer identifies opportunities for systemic improvement in disease prevention protocols. This leadership role requires balancing stakeholder interests with the urgent demands of national health crises. Irakli Zarkua drives initiatives that modernize the institute's approach to health promotion, ensuring that resources reach vulnerable populations effectively. Through strategic oversight, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the institute's mission. Zarkua fosters collaborative environments that bridge the gap between research and practical application, ultimately strengthening the national response to health challenges while ensuring that all operations adhere to the highest standards of public service and accountability.

    Christa Capozzola - Director and Chief Financial Officer

    Christa Capozzola, the Director and Chief Financial Officer at CDC, manages the financial health and budgetary planning of the institute. Capozzola directs the fiscal strategy to ensure that sufficient funding supports critical disease control and prevention programs. By overseeing financial reporting and compliance, the Director and Chief Financial Officer ensures that all expenditures align with federal regulations. This leadership role involves managing complex budget cycles that require precise forecasting and resource management. Christa Capozzola drives the development of financial policies that maximize the impact of every dollar spent on public health. Through strategic oversight of the budget, the Director and Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to respond effectively to emerging health threats. Capozzola maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the institute remains a reliable steward of public funds. By securing financial stability, the Director and Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term success of the institute's mission.

    Margie Fields - Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer

    Margie Fields, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer at CDC, oversees the internal operational processes that sustain the institute's daily functions. Fields directs the allocation of resources to ensure that disease prevention programs operate without interruption. By managing the logistics of large-scale health initiatives, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer ensures that teams have the necessary support to achieve their objectives. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative procedures to improve organizational agility. Margie Fields drives the implementation of operational best practices that enhance the efficiency of the institute's work. Through careful oversight of internal systems, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer maintains the stability of the organization. Fields focuses on operational excellence, ensuring that all departments function in harmony to protect public health. By optimizing internal workflows, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer secures the successful delivery of essential health services.

    Gail Unger - Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer

    Gail Unger, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer at CDC, manages the strategic execution of operational initiatives across the institute. Unger directs the coordination of cross-functional teams to ensure that health promotion programs meet their performance targets. By overseeing the implementation of operational improvements, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer enhances the institute's ability to respond to public health needs. This leadership role involves managing the day-to-day activities that support the broader mission of disease prevention. Gail Unger drives the adoption of efficient processes that reduce waste and improve service delivery. Through careful monitoring of operational metrics, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive. Unger maintains a focus on operational quality, supporting the staff in achieving high standards of performance. By optimizing internal operations, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer secures the effectiveness of the institute's public health efforts.

    Randy Wehrmeister - Ceopresident

    Randy Wehrmeister, the Ceopresident at CDC, leads the executive coordination of national health programs and institutional policy. Wehrmeister manages the administrative functions that support disease control efforts across diverse regional landscapes. By facilitating communication between departments, the Ceopresident ensures that health promotion initiatives remain consistent with federal mandates. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to implement effective prevention strategies. Randy Wehrmeister drives the development of internal policies that enhance the institute's responsiveness to public health emergencies. Through meticulous planning, the Ceopresident optimizes the deployment of personnel and assets to address critical health needs. Wehrmeister maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the institute delivers high-quality outcomes for the public. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission, the Ceopresident secures the stability and effectiveness of the organization in its ongoing efforts to protect the health of the nation.

    Carolyn Austin - Chief of Staff

    Carolyn Austin, the Chief of Staff at CDC, manages the daily operations of the executive office and facilitates communication across all leadership tiers. Austin coordinates the flow of information to ensure that strategic priorities receive immediate attention. By overseeing administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on critical disease prevention and health promotion tasks. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes projects that require cross-departmental collaboration. Carolyn Austin drives the implementation of organizational policies that streamline decision-making processes. Through careful monitoring of institutional goals, the Chief of Staff ensures that all activities align with the core mission of the institute. Austin maintains a clear focus on operational efficiency, supporting the executive team in navigating complex public health challenges. By fostering a cohesive work environment, the Chief of Staff secures the successful execution of initiatives that protect public health across the entire country.

    Stephen (Steve) Warren - Chief Technology Officer

    Stephen (Steve) Warren, the Chief Technology Officer at CDC, architects the digital infrastructure required for advanced disease surveillance and health data analysis. Warren directs the development of innovative technological solutions that support rapid response to public health threats. By overseeing the integration of cutting-edge software, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the institute maintains a competitive edge in data processing. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technical projects that enhance the accuracy of health promotion initiatives. Stephen (Steve) Warren drives the adoption of secure, scalable systems that protect sensitive health information. Through strategic investment in technology, the Chief Technology Officer enables the organization to process vast amounts of data efficiently. Warren maintains a focus on technological resilience, ensuring that the institute remains prepared for future health challenges. By modernizing digital capabilities, the Chief Technology Officer secures the foundation for effective, data-driven public health interventions nationwide.

    Jonathan Towner - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan Towner, the Chief Information Officer at CDC, manages the information systems and data governance frameworks that underpin all public health research. Towner directs the secure storage and dissemination of critical health data to support disease control efforts. By overseeing the architecture of information networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers have access to reliable, real-time data. This leadership role involves implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect the integrity of the institute's information assets. Jonathan Towner drives the development of data management policies that facilitate transparency and collaboration. Through strategic oversight of information technology, the Chief Information Officer enables the organization to track health trends with precision. Towner maintains a focus on data accessibility, ensuring that information supports effective decision-making across the institute. By optimizing information flow, the Chief Information Officer secures the reliability of the data that informs national health policies and prevention strategies.
    Jonathan Towner

    Pragna Patel - Chief Medical Officer

    Pragna Patel, the Chief Medical Officer at CDC, provides the clinical expertise necessary to guide the institute's disease control and prevention strategies. Patel directs the medical research and clinical protocols that inform national health guidelines. By overseeing the evaluation of medical evidence, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all health promotion initiatives are grounded in the latest scientific findings. This leadership role involves collaborating with public health experts to address complex medical challenges. Pragna Patel drives the development of clinical standards that protect the population from infectious and chronic diseases. Through strategic oversight of medical programs, the Chief Medical Officer enables the organization to provide accurate and actionable health information. Patel maintains a focus on clinical excellence, ensuring that the institute's recommendations are both safe and effective. By providing medical leadership, the Chief Medical Officer secures the scientific integrity of the institute's efforts to improve public health outcomes across the nation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CDC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CDC?
    CDC is led by Jamion Fitz (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Irakli Zarkua (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Christa Capozzola (Director and Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of CDC’s executive team?
    The executive team of CDC includes leaders such as Jamion Fitz (Chief Executive Officer), Irakli Zarkua (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Christa Capozzola (Director and Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CDC have?
    CDC has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CDC’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CDC includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer.