Brown University Dean Named White House COVID-19 Coordinator

PROVIDENCE, RI — President Joe Biden named Brown University School of Public Health Dean Ashish Jha as the new White House COVID-19 response coordinator.

The current coordinator, Jeff Zients and his deputy Natalie Quillian are leaving Biden's administration, White House Officials said Thursday. Biden praised Zients and his team, saying they made "stunning" and "consequential" progress against the coronavirus pandemic.

"Jeff spent the last 14 months working tirelessly to help combat COVID," Biden said in a statement. "He is a man of service and an expert manager. I will miss his counsel, and I’m grateful for his service."

Biden said Jha's appointment will be beneficial, partly because of his familiarity to Americans as a fixture on cable news.

"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."

Jha will take a short-term leave from Brown University to take the role in Biden's administration. He will start on April 5.

"This President has spoken the truth about this virus," Jha said on Twitter. "Has prioritized policies based on science and evidence. Americans are going back to work and school. And it is an honor to work under his leadership. One focused on the health and well-being of the American people."