Secretary Kennedy Swears In Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as Principal Deputy Director of the CDC

Atlanta, Georgia; December 16th, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has formally confirmed that Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham has been sworn in as Principal Deputy Director of the agency, an appointment documented through official materials issued by the CDC following a swearing-in ceremony conducted by Secretary Kennedy.

The swearing-in of Ralph Abraham was carried out and recorded by THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, which identified the appointment as placing Abraham in the agency’s second-highest leadership role, directly supporting the CDC Director in overseeing the nation’s public health operations, policy coordination, and emergency response functions.

Official CDC documentation identifies Ralph Abraham as previously serving as Louisiana Surgeon General, a role in which he led statewide public health initiatives, managed health emergency responses, and coordinated with federal agencies on disease surveillance and prevention. The CDC’s own materials state that his experience at the state level informed the decision to elevate him to a senior leadership position within the federal public health system.

The appointment was administered by Secretary Kennedy during a formal ceremony acknowledged by THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, with agency materials noting that the Principal Deputy Director role carries responsibility for assisting in strategic planning, interagency coordination, and implementation of public health priorities across CDC programs.

In announcing the swearing-in, CDC-issued statements describe the Principal Deputy Director as a key operational leader, supporting the agency’s mission to protect public health through disease prevention, health promotion, and preparedness for emerging health threats. The agency’s materials frame the appointment as part of its ongoing leadership structure rather than a temporary or acting role.

CDC documentation further notes that Abraham’s background includes both clinical experience and public health administration, qualifications cited in agency materials as relevant to the scope of responsibilities associated with the position. The CDC has stated that the Principal Deputy Director works closely with career scientists, public health professionals, and leadership teams across CDC centers and offices.

The swearing-in of Ralph Abraham, as recorded by THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, represents a formal leadership transition within the agency, placing a former state-level public health official into a senior federal role responsible for supporting nationwide public health strategy and operations.

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Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, official CDC Newsroom announcement titled “Secretary Kennedy Swears in Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as Principal Deputy Director of CDC”