Jim O’Neill Steps in as Acting CDC Chief Amid Firing, Resignations

Key Takeaways

Jim O’Neill will serve as acting CDC director following recent leadership changesO’Neill brings experience in both public health policy and tech innovationHe plans to prioritize transparency and prevention

TUESDAY, Sept. 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is entering a transition period as Jim O’Neill , deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), steps in as acting director.

The announcement came in a letter to CDC employees from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr .

O’Neill, who joined HHS in June, has experience in both the tech and public health sectors. Before his government roles, he spent years investing in biotech and technology startups, including time with the Thiel Foundation and Thi