Mississippi Health Official Dr. Dan Edney Among CDC Director Nominee Shortlist

Dr. Dan Edney, Mississippi’s state health officer, is among the candidates being considered to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Washington Post reported Sunday. The White House faces a Thursday deadline to nominate a new CDC director, as the acting director’s appointment expires unless a formal nomination is submitted.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering about half a dozen candidates, including former Kentucky Gov. Dr. Ernie Fletcher and Johns Hopkins cardiologist Dr. Joseph Marine, according to the Post. The role requires Senate approval, a process that was implemented in 2025.

Edney has held his position since August 2022, succeeding Dr. Thomas Dobbs. He previously served as Mississippi’s deputy state health officer and chief medical officer, working closely on the state’s COVID-19 response. He is a former president of the Mississippi State Medical Association and served on the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure. Edney worked in private practice for more than 30 years and is a board-certified internist with a subspecialty in addiction medicine.

During his tenure, Mississippi’s public health has improved, ranking 48th out of 99 states in a national health measure by the United Health Foundation. Edney noted the progress in a January press conference, acknowledging that Mississippi’s health metrics are still subpar but better than before. The state faces high rates of preventable diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which disproportionately impact Black residents.

Edney has been an advocate for evidence-based policies and vaccinations, especially as childhood immunization rates declined following a federal court ruling in 2023 allowing religious exemptions. The CDC has experienced leadership turmoil, with acting director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya overseeing recent changes to vaccine policy and immunization schedules. President Donald Trump dismissed CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez in August 2023, citing disagreements over vaccine science and agency leadership.

If confirmed as CDC director, Edney would need to step down from his Mississippi role. His successor would be appointed by the state’s Board of Health, which currently has two vacant seats. Edney’s tenure has seen progress in reducing syphilis rates and launching maternal and infant health initiatives, but also controversy over program removals and public health emergency declarations related to infant mortality rates.

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