Susan Monarez is the first director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to require Senate confirmation. She's also the first director without a medical degree in more than 70 years.

Monarez, a microbiologist and infectious disease expert who has served across several federal health agencies over the years, was the CDC’s deputy director from January to March.

The U.S. Senate reportedly voted 51-47 to confirm Susan Monarez as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Monarez served as acting director of the CDC until her nomination and will report to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F.