U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments:

"The growing team at HHS is working tirelessly to end the COVID-19 pandemic and expand access to health care through President Biden's American Rescue Plan," said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. "These appointees, under the leadership of Secretary Xavier Becerra, bring diversity and years of experience to the crucial mission of ensuring Americans' health and wellbeing."

These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, strengthening support for seniors and other vulnerable populations, conducting groundbreaking research, and more. The Biden Administration is committed to restoring public trust in our health agencies, leading with science and facts, and building a team that looks like America.

New appointees and their roles are listed below:

Office of the Secretary
Cynthia Palafox (she/her), Director of Scheduling and Advance
Karuna Seshasai (she/her), Executive Secretary
Alia Schechter (she/her), Special Assistant to the Secretary

Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
Carrie Pugh (she/her), Director of External Affairs

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Tericka Lambert (she/her), Director of Digital Engagement

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation
Rose Sullivan (she/her), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
Arsenio Mataka (he/him), Senior Advisor for Health Equity and Climate

Administration for Children and Families
Kathryn "Kate" Wolff (she/her), Senior Advisor

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Hannah Katch (she/her), Senior Advisor

Food and Drug Administration
Erica Jefferson (she/her), Associate Commissioner for External Affairs