CDC Leader Dr. Mandy K. Cohen to Deliver Graduation Keynote

One of the nation’s top health leaders, Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, will deliver the keynote address at the Milken Institute School of Public Health’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 16 at the Smith Center.

Holding the dual roles of Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Dr. Cohen is at the forefront of steering intricate health organizations and advocating for initiatives focused on safeguarding public health across the United States. She plays a pivotal role in the development and execution of policies and strategies that center on public health safety, disease prevention, and the promotion of health equity. Dr. Cohen's leadership is characterized by her commitment to evidence-based decision-making and the prioritization of clear, transparent communication in tackling various public health challenges.
 
"Dr. Cohen's exceptional leadership at the CDC and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, coupled with her astute ability to navigate complex health challenges with insight, empathy and a commitment to inclusion make her an excellent role model for our graduates,” said Dean Lynn R. Goldman. “As they embark on their own journeys in public health, Dr. Cohen's presence and insights will undoubtedly inspire them to pursue their goals with the same vigor and integrity that she has demonstrated throughout her impressive career." Read more.
 
Dr. Cohen has earned national recognition for her significant contributions to public health. In February 2019, she was honored by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare. Her exemplary leadership during the COVID pandemic earned her the Leadership in Public Health Practice Award in September 2020 from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. That same year, she was also celebrated as the Tar Heel of the Year for 2020. A testament to her distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has been inducted into the National Academy of Medicine and holds a position as an adjunct professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
 
Her educational background is equally impressive, with degrees from Cornell University, Yale School of Medicine, and Harvard School of Public Health, and her training in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Cohen's election to the National Academy of Medicine and her role as an adjunct professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill further underscore her dedication to advancing public health education and research.