The head of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has resigned, after facing mounting concerns about her personal financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald’s resignation comes a day after a Politico report she bought shares in a tobacco company a month after she took over as CDC director. She since sold the stock.
Dr. Georges Benjamin, who heads the American Public Health Association, said he has confidence in the CDC staff and its interim director, but he has some concerns about who President Trump may appoint next.
“I think it’s going to be important that they spend the time to make sure the next director is just as competent – is science based, science driven, has the leadership skills and truly knows public health,” Benjamin said.
He said Fitzgerald is well regarded and respected in the field.
