Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, and health communication.

Committed to safeguarding national wellness, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health advances public health through rigorous disease control, prevention programs, and health promotion initiatives across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Corey DeLong
  • Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer - Margie Fields
  • Chief Information Officer - Jonathan Towner
  • Chief Technology Officer - Stephen (Steve) Warren
  • Chief of Staff, NIOSH - Maria Strickland
  • Health Communication Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Keisha Simmons
  • IT Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of The (Ocio) - Neeraja Lakshmipathy
  • Managing Director - Charmaine Dobson
  • Director - Erica Schwartz
  • Managing Director - Priscilla Fatukasi
  • Corey DeLong - Chief Executive Officer

    Corey DeLong, the Chief Executive Officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for national public health initiatives. DeLong architects high-level policy frameworks that guide disease prevention programs and health promotion efforts across the United States. By aligning organizational resources with federal mandates, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the agency maintains a proactive stance against emerging health threats. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with government stakeholders to secure funding and operational support for critical research. Corey DeLong monitors the efficacy of nationwide health interventions, adjusting tactical approaches to maximize impact on population wellness. Through rigorous oversight of institutional goals, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of protecting citizens from preventable diseases. DeLong maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the agency remains a cornerstone of the national health infrastructure while adapting to evolving global health challenges.

    Margie Fields - Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer

    Margie Fields, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, oversees the daily administrative and operational functions of the director's office. Fields directs the execution of organizational policies, ensuring that all departments operate in accordance with federal mandates. By managing the flow of information and resources, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer facilitates effective decision-making at the highest levels of the agency. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to ensure that strategic goals are met with precision and efficiency. Margie Fields monitors the operational health of the organization, identifying and resolving bottlenecks that hinder progress. Through the management of internal processes, the Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer supports the agency's mission of protecting public health by ensuring that the leadership team has the necessary support to drive impactful disease prevention and health promotion initiatives.

    Jonathan Towner - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan Towner, the Chief Information Officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, directs the digital infrastructure supporting national health data systems. Towner architects secure, scalable platforms that enable the rapid collection and analysis of epidemiological information. By overseeing the modernization of legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the agency maintains a robust technological foundation for disease surveillance. This leadership role involves managing complex cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive health data from emerging digital threats. Jonathan Towner collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate data-driven insights into public health decision-making processes. Through the implementation of advanced cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer improves the accessibility and reliability of health information for researchers and policymakers. Towner maintains a focus on technological innovation, ensuring that the agency leverages cutting-edge tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its disease control and prevention mission.
    Jonathan Towner

    Stephen (Steve) Warren - Chief Technology Officer

    Stephen (Steve) Warren, the Chief Technology Officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, leads the development of innovative technical solutions for public health challenges. Warren directs the engineering teams responsible for building advanced diagnostic and monitoring tools. By evaluating emerging technologies, the Chief Technology Officer identifies opportunities to enhance the agency's disease detection capabilities. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of critical software applications that support health promotion initiatives. Stephen (Steve) Warren coordinates with research departments to ensure that technical tools meet the rigorous requirements of scientific investigation. Through the deployment of high-performance computing resources, the Chief Technology Officer accelerates the analysis of large-scale health datasets. Warren maintains a focus on technical excellence, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of digital health innovation while supporting the broader mission of protecting the public from disease and promoting wellness.

    Maria Strickland - Chief of Staff, NIOSH

    Maria Strickland, the Chief of Staff, NIOSH at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, manages the internal operations and strategic alignment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Strickland coordinates the activities of various departments to ensure that research and prevention efforts remain focused on worker safety. By facilitating communication between leadership and staff, the Chief of Staff, NIOSH streamlines decision-making processes and improves organizational efficiency. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of policy directives that protect the workforce from occupational hazards. Maria Strickland monitors the progress of key initiatives, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most critical safety challenges. Through the management of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff, NIOSH supports the agency's mission of preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. Strickland maintains a focus on operational cohesion, ensuring that all internal functions contribute to the overall success of the institute's public health goals.

    Keisha Simmons - Health Communication Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Keisha Simmons, the Health Communication Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, directs the dissemination of critical health information to the public. Simmons architects communication strategies that translate complex medical data into accessible, actionable guidance for diverse populations. By managing the digital channels used for public outreach, the Health Communication Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that accurate information reaches citizens during health crises. This leadership role involves coordinating with technical teams to maintain the integrity and security of public-facing information systems. Keisha Simmons evaluates the effectiveness of communication campaigns, adjusting messaging to maximize public engagement and compliance with health recommendations. Through the integration of communication and information technology, the Health Communication Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of supports the agency's mission of promoting health and preventing disease through informed public action.

    Neeraja Lakshmipathy - IT Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of The (Ocio)

    Neeraja Lakshmipathy, the IT Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of The (Ocio) at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, manages the operational stability of the agency's information technology environment. Lakshmipathy directs the maintenance and optimization of critical IT systems that support daily public health operations. By overseeing the implementation of standardized technical protocols, the IT Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of The (Ocio) ensures that data remains consistent and accessible across all departments. This leadership role involves troubleshooting complex technical issues and providing strategic guidance on infrastructure upgrades. Neeraja Lakshmipathy collaborates with internal stakeholders to align IT capabilities with the evolving needs of disease control programs. Through the management of technical resources, the IT Specialist & Chief Information Officer, Office of The (Ocio) supports the agency's mission of maintaining a reliable, secure, and efficient digital infrastructure for public health protection.

    Charmaine Dobson - Managing Director

    Charmaine Dobson, the Managing Director at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, oversees the execution of large-scale public health programs. Dobson manages the operational deployment of disease control initiatives, ensuring that regional health departments receive necessary guidance and resources. By coordinating cross-functional teams, the Managing Director facilitates the rapid implementation of health promotion strategies across diverse geographic sectors. This leadership role requires constant interaction with internal departments to streamline administrative processes and improve service delivery. Charmaine Dobson evaluates the performance of ongoing programs, identifying opportunities for efficiency gains and improved health outcomes. Through the management of complex logistical frameworks, the Managing Director supports the broader agency mission of reducing disease transmission. Dobson maintains a rigorous focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every initiative aligns with federal standards and contributes to the overall stability of the national public health system.

    Erica Schwartz - Director

    Erica Schwartz, the Director at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, leads the development of specialized health promotion initiatives. Schwartz directs the research and implementation phases of critical prevention programs, focusing on evidence-based outcomes. By supervising scientific teams, the Director ensures that all health guidance remains grounded in the latest medical data and epidemiological findings. This leadership role involves frequent engagement with external partners to expand the reach of public health messaging. Erica Schwartz monitors the progress of specific health campaigns, adjusting methodologies to address regional disparities in disease prevalence. Through the application of advanced analytical techniques, the Director optimizes the impact of agency resources on community health. Schwartz maintains a commitment to transparency and scientific integrity, ensuring that the organization provides accurate, actionable information to the public while advancing the core mission of disease prevention and health protection.

    Priscilla Fatukasi - Managing Director

    Priscilla Fatukasi, the Managing Director at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health, manages the strategic integration of public health services across national networks. Fatukasi oversees the allocation of resources for disease prevention programs, ensuring that critical health initiatives receive adequate support. By fostering partnerships with state and local health authorities, the Managing Director facilitates the seamless delivery of essential services. This leadership role involves the continuous assessment of program performance metrics to ensure alignment with federal health objectives. Priscilla Fatukasi drives the development of scalable operational models that enhance the agency's ability to respond to public health crises. Through the coordination of multi-disciplinary teams, the Managing Director ensures that health promotion efforts reach vulnerable populations effectively. Fatukasi maintains a focus on operational agility, enabling the organization to adapt quickly to changing health landscapes while upholding the highest standards of public service and disease control.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health?
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health is led by Corey DeLong (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Margie Fields (Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer) and Jonathan Towner (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health includes leaders such as Corey DeLong (Chief Executive Officer), Margie Fields (Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer), Jonathan Towner (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health have?
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institutes of Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Office of the Director and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff, NIOSH.