HHS Announces Five New Agency Leaders to Advance MAHA Goals

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the appointment of five senior leaders who will play a central role in advancing the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. Four of these appointments were recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the strategic importance of the new leadership team, noting that each brings

“a record of achievement, leadership, and a deep dedication to restoring the nation’s health and wellness.”

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Brian Christine, MD — Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Brian Christine, an internationally recognized expert in men’s health, brings decades of clinical leadership and academic contributions to his new role. A graduate of Emory University with residency training in urology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Christine has led a global Center of Excellence and trained surgeons worldwide. Confirmed by the Senate on October 7, 2025, he now oversees the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and leads the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. His priorities include rebuilding trust in public health, strengthening institutional transparency, and centering policy decisions on patient needs.

“Americans are facing a healthcare crisis that demands we put patients at the center of every decision,” Dr. Christine stated. “My goals are restoring trust, advancing chronic disease prevention, and ensuring every American has the opportunity to live a healthier life.”

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Alex J. Adams, PharmD, MPH — Assistant Secretary for Family Support, Administration for Children and Families Alex Adams brings extensive governmental, regulatory, and health policy experience to his new post. His work in Idaho state leadership included transformative reforms in child welfare, expanded support for foster families, and modernization of social service delivery. A graduate of the University of Toledo and Johns Hopkins University, he was confirmed by the Senate on October 7, 2025. At ACF, Adams will focus on strengthening support systems for vulnerable children and families nationwide.

“Every child deserves a family, and every family deserves the opportunity to achieve the American dream,” he said. “I am honored to work with the dedicated public servants of ACF to deliver meaningful change.”

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Gustav Chiarello — Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources Gustav Chiarello assumes responsibility for HHS financial stewardship following a career spanning the Federal Trade Commission, congressional service, and administrative law. His prior roles include Senior Special Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee and Attorney Advisor to the Acting FTC Chairman during the first Trump Administration. Chiarello’s mandate includes ensuring efficiency, accountability, and alignment of federal health spending with MAHA priorities.

“Good policy comes from asking good questions,” he said. “I look forward to bringing healthcare spending under control, expanding access to care and essential medicines, and revitalizing the scientific foundations of our healthcare system.”

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Michael Stuart — General Counsel Michael Stuart, confirmed by the Senate on October 7, 2025, steps into the role of HHS General Counsel after a distinguished career spanning law enforcement, government leadership, and private practice. A former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, Stuart led several historic prosecutions, including major fraud, elder abuse, and drug trafficking cases. His extensive experience positions him to lead major regulatory reforms, strengthen compliance, and address fraud, waste, and abuse across HHS programs.

“I bring a sharp scalpel and fierce determination to issues like fraud, waste, and abuse,” Stuart noted. “Every experience of my career has prepared me to support the Administration’s efforts to rebuild HHS and renew the American Dream.”

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Alicia Jackson, PhD — Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Dr. Alicia Jackson joins ARPA-H following her leadership as founder and CEO of Evernow, a women’s health–focused longevity company. Her prior government service includes senior leadership roles within DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office, where she shaped major national investments in biodefense and therapeutic innovation. With a PhD in materials science from MIT, Dr. Jackson is expected to accelerate breakthrough biomedical technologies and drive innovation within ARPA-H. Chiarello’s mandate includes ensuring efficiency, accountability, and alignment of federal health spending with MAHA priorities.

“Our goal is to make the impossible probable and change the course of human health,” she said. “I am honored to lead ARPA-H at a time when the Administration is prioritizing women’s health and expanding opportunities for scientific advancement.”

A Strengthened Leadership Team for MAHA

Secretary Kennedy highlighted that the new appointees bring complementary expertise essential for transforming the nation’s health system. Their collective leadership is expected to shape federal health policy, enhance public trust, and advance innovative solutions aligned with the MAHA mission.

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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD