Susan Monarez Bio, Age, Career, CDC Role, Ethnicity, Net Worth
Susan Monarez Biography
Who is Susan Monarez?
Susan Patricia Coller Monarez (born November 6, 1974) is an American microbiologist and public health expert. She earned a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2003 and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford University. After that, she shaped health policy at the White House OSTP, the National Security Council, and within HSARPA and BARDA. Later, she became Deputy Director of ARPA-H, leading innovations in AI-driven health research.
In January 2025, she became Principal Deputy Director and Acting Director of the CDC. The president nominated her as permanent CDC Director in March. After Senate confirmation in July, she became the first CDC director without a medical degree since 1953 and the first confirmed under the 2023 law requiring Senate approval. She took office on July 31, 2025.
However, her leadership clashed with political directives over vaccine policy. On August 27, 2025, the HHS announced she was no longer CDC Director, though her legal team argued that only the president can remove a Senate-confirmed director.
Susan Monarez Age
How old is Susan Monarez?
Susan Monarez was born on November 6, 1974, making her currently 50 years old. She recently served as CDC Director, thus emphasizing her remarkable ascent. Moreover, she represents scientific leadership blended with policy insight. Her age reflects deep experience at a relatively young stage.
Susan Monarez Husband – CDC Director’s Marital Status
Susan Monarez is married, though her husband’s name remains private. Additionally, she has children, yet maintains strong family privacy. Consequently, public profiles only highlight her remarkable public health leadership, not personal life details.
Susan Monarez Children
Susan Monarez has two children, named Bella and AJ, who inspire her greatly. Moreover, she described them as her motivation during her Senate confirmation hearing. Consequently, her family plays a central emotional role, even as she maintains overall privacy regarding her personal life.
Susan Monarez’s Family
Susan Monarez values family privacy while leading a high-profile career. She is married and has two children, Bella and AJ, whom she calls her greatest inspiration. Moreover, she grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, an upbringing that shaped her resilience. Still, her husband’s name and parents’ details remain undisclosed to the public.
Susan Monarez Education
Susan Monarez earned a BS, MS, and PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Moreover, she completed her PhD in veterinary science under Dr. Donna Paulnock in 2003, exploring infectious disease mechanisms in low-income countries. Then, she conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University School of Medicine from 2003 to 2006. Her training propelled her leadership in health innovation and policy. Consequently, her academic foundation supports her impactful public health career.
Susan Monarez Ethnicity – CDC Director’s Background
Susan Monarez identifies as White American, reflecting her American White ethnicity. Moreover, she draws from American roots shaped by her upbringing. Consequently, her cultural heritage blends seamlessly with her public health leadership. Reliable public sources confirm no additional ethnic details beyond her American White identity.
Susan Monarez Political Party – CDC Director’s Party Affiliation
Susan Monarez does not publicly declare a political party affiliation. Moreover, official records and news coverage omit any party designation for her. Consequently, she appears to maintain a nonpartisan, professional stance in her public health career. Her profile emphasizes scientific leadership instead of partisan identity, thus reinforcing her focus on evidence-based policy and service.
Susan Monarez’s Religion – Public Disclosure
Susan Monarez’s religious affiliation remains undisclosed in public records. Moreover, reliable sources confirm no information exists about her faith. Therefore, she keeps her religious background private, and profiles focus instead on her scientific leadership and public health career.
Susan Monarez CDC Vaccines – Ousted for Upholding Science
Why was Susan Monarez ousted?
Susan Monarez led the CDC’s vaccine policy with scientific integrity. During her Senate hearing, she affirmed that “vaccines save lives” and championed evidence-based guidance. Moreover, she resisted Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s effort to overhaul vaccine approvals and disband the CDC’s longtime vaccine advisory committee. Consequently, she refused to endorse narrow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and the dismissal of top CDC experts. Finally, the White House fired her less than a month after confirmation, sparking major agency resignations and public health alarm.
Susan Monarez’s Controversy – Vaccine Policy Clash and CDC Crisis
Susan Monarez sparked controversy by resisting HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s unscientific vaccine directives. Moreover, she refused to fire senior CDC experts or narrow COVID-19 vaccine approvals. Consequently, the White House fired her less than a month after confirmation. Her legal team challenged her removal as unlawful and politically motivated. Ultimately, her ousting triggered multiple senior CDC resignations and deepened a major crisis within public health leadership.
Susan Monarez Net Worth – CDC Director’s Income Estimate
Susan Monarez’s net worth remains undisclosed in reliable public records. Moreover, estimates suggest it could range roughly $1–5 million, based on her roles in federal science and health policy. Consequently, analysts infer a solid income from high-level public sector positions, including ARPA-H and CDC leadership. Still, no confirmed figure exists, and her wealth profile remains private.
