Dr. Erica Pan became director and state public health officer for the California Department of Public Health on February 1, 2025. She leads with values of dignity, equity, compassion, and humility, working with partners to advance health‑focused policies and address social determinants of health. Previously CDPH’s deputy director for the Center for Infectious Diseases and state epidemiologist, she also held public health leadership roles in Alameda and San Francisco.