Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), submitted her resignation to the Biden administration Friday, The Associated Press reported.
Her last day will be June 30. It is unclear who will lead the agency after her departure.
Walensky did not cite a specific reason for her departure, other than that the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition.
However, The Washington Post reported that White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients “had developed frustrations with Walensky” and met with her earlier this year “to discuss her future in the administration.”
During an agency-wide staff meeting where she made the announcement, she said that she had “mixed emotions” about leaving.
Walensky’s resignation comes on the same day the World Health Organization announced that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, and days before the U.S. public health emergency declaration is set to expire.
Within minutes of her reportedly tearful announcement to her staff, the Biden White House released a statement praising Walensky — who led the agency since the start of the Biden administration — for her “steadfast and unwavering focus on the health of every American,” stating that “she leaves CDC a stronger institution, better positioned to confront health threats and protect Americans.”
Read More: CDC Director Walensky Resigns, Ending Contentious Reign Over COVID Vaccine Policies
