California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed two former CDC officials to lead the state's new public health network, the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX). Dr. Susan Monarez, who was fired by the Trump administration for her vaccine policy disagreements, will serve as a strategic health technology and funding adviser. Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned after a decade at the CDC, will be a senior regional and global public health medical adviser. Both women testified before Congress about their concerns regarding the Trump administration's vaccine agenda and public health system changes. PHNIX aims to modernize California's public health infrastructure and address the Trump administration's dismantling of public health safeguards and vaccine skepticism. Newsom, a vocal critic of Trump, has taken action to combat the administration's policies, including hiring laid-off federal employees and participating in health alliances. With a potential 2028 presidential bid on the horizon, Newsom's appointments reflect his commitment to public health innovation and collaboration.
