The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a new director.
Puthiery Va, a graduate of the University of New England, most recently directed the Navajo Nation’s COVID-19 response with the Indian Health Service, and was an epidemic intelligence service officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew appointed Va following a national search, calling her a “front-line leader” whose public health experience gives her a “deep keel” for navigating challenges facing Maine.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Va back to Maine to lead our CDC,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement.
Va will replace acting Director Nancy Beardsley, who was appointed following the departure of former Director Nirav Shah earlier this year when he left to become second-in-command at the U.S. CDC.
“I’m honored to accept the position of director of the Maine CDC and eager to contribute to the well-being of the people of Maine,” Va said.
Va completed her medical residency at the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, and also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso.
Va emigrated to the United States as a Cambodian refugee during her childhood.
She will assume her post at the Maine CDC effective Aug. 28.
