Anne Schuchat, the principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is retiring after more than 30 years at the agency, according to Politico.
It notes that Schuchat has served as CDC's principal deputy director since 2015 and had key roles in its response to the H1N1 pandemic, SARS outbreak, and COVID-19 pandemic. The Washington Post adds that Schuchat was targeted by some Trump Administration officials who viewed her May 2020 analysis of the spread of COVID-19 as criticism of the administration. She additionally twice stepped in as acting CDC director, Politico adds.
According to Politico, Schuchat has recently been at odds with CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. However, Schuchat tells the Post that there is no friction in their relationship.
"Anne embodies selfless public service, the pinnacle of scientific and intellectual standards, and has given her heart to our agency and the public health community," Walensky says in a statement, according to the Post. "I will remain forever grateful that our paths crossed, even for just a short while."
Schuchat's announcement comes shortly after Nancy Messonnier, who led the CDC's vaccine task force, left the agency, Politico adds.