Daniel Jernigan, MD, MPH is a nationally recognized leader in infectious disease readiness and response. Over more than three decades at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he helped the nation navigate some of the most consequential public health crises of our time—from anthrax and SARS to H1N1 and COVID-19.

As Director of CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Dr. Jernigan guided the agency’s largest center, driving innovation to confront high-consequence pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and diseases spread through food, water, vectors, and healthcare. He championed modern surveillance tools, including advanced genomic sequencing and new systems to strengthen state and local health departments.

Earlier in his CDC career, he led the Influenza Division for 15 years and played a pivotal role in improving global pandemic preparedness. He also oversaw major investigations into hospital-acquired and drug-resistant infections, shaping national policy and preventive strategies that continue to save lives.

Dr. Jernigan’s contributions span more than 160 scientific publications and leadership on outbreak responses around the world—including Ebola in West Africa and MERS in Saudi Arabia. His dedication has earned him multiple honors, including the prestigious Service to America Medal.

A graduate of Duke University with an MD from Baylor College of Medicine and an MPH from the University of Texas, Dr. Jernigan has completed residencies in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service for 21 years before transitioning to CDC civil service.

Today, Dr. Jernigan continues to advance the science and strategy of public health—working to build a safer, more resilient world against infectious disease threats.