CDC Veteran Named Vice President of CDC Foundation’s New Infectious Disease Department

The CDC Foundation today announced that Jenny Parker, MPA, has been named vice president of its new infectious disease programs department. The Foundation recently restructured its programs department into two departments, one focused on infectious diseases and the other on noninfectious diseases. This approach better aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) structure. As vice president, Parker will provide overall leadership and support for the Foundation’s domestic and global infectious disease programs. In addition, she will work across departments to identify process improvement and staff development opportunities for overall program effectiveness.

"Jenny brings a wealth of experience in and passion for public health, as well as close knowledge of the CDC Foundation’s work through her previous role as a senior advisor to the Foundation,” said Judith Monroe, MD, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “As we align the Foundation to help CDC save more lives through its critical health protection work, Jenny will lead our new infectious disease programs department in supporting CDC’s priorities in this area.”

Prior to her position with the CDC Foundation, Parker worked at CDC for 25 years in a variety of roles. Most recently, she worked in the CDC Chief of Staff’s office as the CDC senior advisor to the CDC Foundation. She previously served as the deputy director for management and overseas operations in CDC’s Center for Global Health, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar budget supporting 2,800 staff in over 60 countries. In 2016, she received the federal government’s prestigious Presidential Rank Award for her meritorious service during the West Africa Ebola outbreak.

Parker brings extensive global health management and operations experience as well as seven years of experience implementing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Prior to her work at CDC, Parker worked with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services helping children who had experienced abuse and neglect. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Agnes Scott College and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia College and University.

The CDC Foundation has created hundreds of innovative, high-impact programs that save and improve millions of lives worldwide. The Foundation’s programs tackle public health issues ranging from tobacco use to emergency responses, such as the Ebola and Zika outbreaks. Brandon Talley, MPH, formerly vice president for programs, has been named the vice president for noninfectious disease programs.