PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — At the request of U.S. President Joe Biden, Dr. Ashish K. Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, will serve as the next White House coronavirus response coordinator. In succeeding Jeffrey Zients, Jha will lead the response of the entire U.S. government to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also advancing the nation’s global health priorities and policies.

To assume the critical role in the nation’s pandemic response and advise Biden, Jha will take a short-term leave from the School of Public Health for the temporary special assignment. The appointment begins April 5, 2022.

Biden issued a statement on Thursday, March 17, announcing Zients’ departure and Jha’s appointment.

“Dr. Jha is one of the leading public health experts in America, and a well-known figure to many Americans from his wise and calming public presence,” Biden said. “And as we enter a new moment in the pandemic — executing on my National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and managing the ongoing risks from COVID — Dr. Jha is the perfect person for the job.” KEEP READING