NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsOctober 27, 2026Hillsborough County
Dr. Jennifer Shuford steps down as CDC deputy director and chief medical officer
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News
Dr. Jennifer Shuford is stepping down from her role as deputy director and chief medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after six months, with her final day scheduled for Nov. 12. She cited a desire to spend more time with family, leaving her position amid ongoing leadership changes at the agency under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Satish Pillai will step in as acting chief medical officer and deputy director.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The departure marks another high-level departure in federal health agencies, affecting leadership continuity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as it navigates ongoing turnover and recent policy directions.
Key Facts
- Dr. Jennifer Shuford is leaving her position as deputy director and chief medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after six months.
- Dr. Shuford stated she is leaving to spend more time with family.
- Dr. Shuford's final day in office is scheduled for Nov. 12.
- Satish Pillai will assume the role of acting chief medical officer and deputy director.
- The departure occurs amid leadership turnover at the agency under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Six individuals have served as the Director or Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since the start of 2025.
- Dr. Shuford previously served as the Texas health commissioner and the state's chief state epidemiologist.
- Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed earlier in the summer as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal health agency experiencing leadership turnover”PersonDr. Erica Schwartz“Confirmed earlier this summer as director of the CDC”OrganizationTexas Department of State Health Services“Former agency where Dr. Shuford served as health commissioner”locationTexas“State where Dr. Shuford previously served as health commissioner”PersonRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health Secretary overseeing ongoing leadership turnover at the CDC”PersonDr. Jennifer Shuford“Stepping down as deputy director and chief medical officer”locationAustin“City where Dr. Shuford practiced as an infectious disease physician”PersonSatish Pillai“Will serve as acting chief medical officer and deputy director”