CDC Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

CDC has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, public health policy, and information technology.

Dedicated to safeguarding national wellness, CDC advances critical disease prevention programs and health promotion initiatives to ensure a resilient public health infrastructure across the United States.

Leadership Roles at CDC

  • Chief Executive Officer - Raffi Minasian
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Irakli Zarkua
  • Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer - Margie Fields
  • Ceopresident - Randy Wehrmeister
  • Chief Information Officer - Jonathan Towner
  • Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor - Maureen Culbertson
  • Deputy Director - Stephanie Dulin
  • Deputy Director - Donald Benken
  • Deputy Director - Alison Johnson
  • Deputy Director - Ethleen Lloyd
  • Raffi Minasian - Chief Executive Officer

    Raffi Minasian, the Chief Executive Officer at CDC, directs the overarching strategic vision for national health protection. Minasian architects high-level policy frameworks that guide disease control initiatives across the United States. By aligning organizational resources with urgent public health threats, the Chief Executive Officer ensures rapid response capabilities during health crises. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with federal partners to optimize health promotion outcomes. Raffi Minasian maintains rigorous oversight of institutional goals, ensuring that all programs meet established safety standards. Through the implementation of data-driven methodologies, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the national defense against infectious diseases. Minasian drives operational excellence by fostering innovation within the public health sector. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term efficacy of national health programs, ensuring that the agency remains a cornerstone of public safety and disease prevention for the entire population.

    Irakli Zarkua - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Irakli Zarkua, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at CDC, manages the foundational governance and long-term sustainability of public health initiatives. Zarkua oversees the integration of complex health promotion strategies into the broader federal framework. By prioritizing resource allocation for disease prevention, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the agency addresses emerging health challenges with precision. This leadership role requires constant engagement with stakeholders to maintain the integrity of national health programs. Irakli Zarkua drives the development of scalable solutions that enhance the reach of public health services across diverse regions. Through meticulous planning, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the impact of every initiative. Zarkua monitors performance metrics to guarantee that all activities align with the core mission of protecting the public. Ultimately, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer provides the necessary stability to support continuous improvement in national health outcomes and disease control efforts.

    Margie Fields - Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer

    Margie Fields, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer at CDC, manages the daily operational rhythm of the agency. Fields oversees the coordination between the director's office and various departments to ensure seamless execution of health programs. By optimizing internal processes, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer improves the efficiency of disease prevention efforts. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information and decision-making across the organization. Margie Fields facilitates the alignment of operational activities with the agency's strategic mission. Through the careful monitoring of performance indicators, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer identifies areas for improvement. Fields drives the implementation of best practices that enhance organizational productivity. By focusing on operational excellence, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer supports the agency's ability to respond to public health needs. Ultimately, Fields ensures that the agency operates with precision and purpose.

    Randy Wehrmeister - Ceopresident

    Randy Wehrmeister, the Ceopresident at CDC, leads the administrative functions that support national health promotion. Wehrmeister architects the organizational structure required to sustain large-scale disease prevention efforts. By managing the intersection of policy and practice, the Ceopresident ensures that the agency maintains a proactive stance against health threats. This leadership role involves coordinating with executive leadership to refine the strategic direction of public health programs. Randy Wehrmeister oversees the deployment of resources to areas with the highest need, ensuring equitable access to health services. Through the optimization of internal workflows, the Ceopresident enhances the overall productivity of the agency. Wehrmeister drives the development of robust frameworks that support long-term health security. By maintaining a focus on operational excellence, the Ceopresident ensures that all activities remain consistent with the mission of protecting the public. Ultimately, Wehrmeister secures the operational foundation necessary for successful disease control and health promotion.

    Jonathan Towner - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan Towner, the Chief Information Officer at CDC, architects the digital infrastructure that supports national disease surveillance. Towner oversees the security and integrity of health data systems used to track outbreaks. By managing the integration of advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the agency can process vast amounts of information in real-time. This leadership role involves collaborating with technical teams to develop secure platforms for data sharing. Jonathan Towner facilitates the modernization of legacy systems to improve the speed of information flow. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive health data from unauthorized access. Towner drives the adoption of innovative digital tools that enhance the agency's ability to monitor public health trends. By focusing on technological reliability, the Chief Information Officer supports the agency's mission. Ultimately, Towner ensures that the digital foundation remains strong, enabling effective disease control and rapid response.
    Jonathan Towner

    Maureen Culbertson - Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor

    Maureen Culbertson, the Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor at CDC, manages the strategic priorities of the director's office. Culbertson oversees the development of policy recommendations that guide the agency's response to health threats. By providing expert counsel, the Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor ensures that leadership decisions are grounded in sound public health principles. This leadership role involves coordinating high-level meetings and facilitating communication between the executive team and external stakeholders. Maureen Culbertson monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure alignment with the agency's mission. Through the synthesis of complex information, the Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor supports the director in making informed choices. Culbertson drives the creation of strategic plans that address long-term health challenges. By focusing on effective communication and strategic alignment, the Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor strengthens the agency's leadership. Ultimately, Culbertson ensures that the director's vision is executed with clarity and impact.

    Stephanie Dulin - Deputy Director

    Stephanie Dulin, the Deputy Director at CDC, coordinates the execution of specialized disease control programs. Dulin oversees the implementation of health promotion initiatives that target specific population vulnerabilities. By managing cross-functional teams, the Deputy Director ensures that public health strategies remain agile and responsive to regional needs. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve the efficiency of national health interventions. Stephanie Dulin facilitates communication between departments to maintain alignment with the agency's primary mission. Through the rigorous evaluation of program outcomes, the Deputy Director identifies opportunities for systemic improvement. Dulin drives the adoption of evidence-based practices to enhance the quality of public health services. By focusing on operational precision, the Deputy Director supports the broader goal of reducing disease transmission. Ultimately, Dulin strengthens the agency's capacity to deliver effective health solutions, ensuring that all initiatives contribute to a healthier national landscape.

    Donald Benken - Deputy Director

    Donald Benken, the Deputy Director at CDC, manages the technical aspects of disease surveillance and prevention programs. Benken oversees the analysis of health data to inform national policy decisions. By directing the efforts of specialized research teams, the Deputy Director ensures that the agency utilizes the most current scientific evidence. This leadership role involves collaborating with external partners to expand the reach of health promotion initiatives. Donald Benken facilitates the integration of new technologies into existing disease control frameworks. Through the careful monitoring of health trends, the Deputy Director identifies emerging risks before these threats escalate. Benken drives the implementation of preventative measures that protect the public from widespread illness. By focusing on data accuracy and scientific rigor, the Deputy Director supports the agency's reputation as a leader in public health. Ultimately, Benken ensures that all programs remain effective, evidence-based, and aligned with the overarching goal of national health security.

    Alison Johnson - Deputy Director

    Alison Johnson, the Deputy Director at CDC, directs the community outreach and public engagement strategies. Johnson oversees the development of communication programs that promote healthy behaviors across the nation. By managing the dissemination of critical health information, the Deputy Director ensures that the public remains informed and protected. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional health departments to tailor prevention initiatives to local needs. Alison Johnson facilitates the creation of educational materials that simplify complex health concepts for diverse audiences. Through the evaluation of public response, the Deputy Director refines communication strategies to maximize impact. Johnson drives the expansion of health promotion programs into underserved areas, ensuring broad coverage. By focusing on accessibility and clarity, the Deputy Director supports the agency's mission to improve health outcomes. Ultimately, Johnson strengthens the connection between the agency and the public, fostering a culture of health and disease prevention.

    Ethleen Lloyd - Deputy Director

    Ethleen Lloyd, the Deputy Director at CDC, manages the administrative and logistical support for national health programs. Lloyd oversees the allocation of funding and personnel to ensure that disease control initiatives receive necessary resources. By streamlining internal operations, the Deputy Director improves the speed and effectiveness of the agency's response to health challenges. This leadership role involves working with the executive team to align budgetary priorities with strategic goals. Ethleen Lloyd facilitates the development of policies that govern the daily operations of the agency. Through the rigorous oversight of project timelines, the Deputy Director ensures that all initiatives meet their objectives. Lloyd drives the adoption of efficient management practices that reduce waste and enhance performance. By focusing on organizational health, the Deputy Director supports the agency's ability to fulfill its mission. Ultimately, Lloyd provides the essential infrastructure required for successful disease prevention and health promotion across the country.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CDC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CDC?
    CDC is led by Raffi Minasian (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Irakli Zarkua (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Margie Fields (Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of CDC’s executive team?
    The executive team of CDC includes leaders such as Raffi Minasian (Chief Executive Officer), Irakli Zarkua (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Margie Fields (Office of the Director and Chief Operating 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, Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer, Ceopresident, Chief Information Officer.