New Jersey Appoints Health Official to Combat Federal Misinformation

Public health expert Raynard E. Washington has been tapped by Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill to lead the New Jersey Department of Health, according to an announcement made Thursday. Washington, who currently serves as health director for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina’s most populous county, brings extensive experience in public health leadership to the position.

In her announcement, Sherrill described Washington as “a lifetime public servant” who will be “essential in keeping our state healthy and safe.” The governor-elect specifically highlighted the importance of his appointment given the current political climate, noting that “at a time when Trump and RFK Jr. are rewriting longstanding guidelines and undermining trust in medical care, it is critical New Jersey have experienced leadership to keep us healthy.”

Washington, who previously served as Chief Epidemiologist and Deputy Health Commissioner in Philadelphia from 2017 to 2020, expressed readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. “While Washington is attacking our public health institutions, New Jersey must do everything we can to protect the public’s health and safety, including providing reliable medical information, based in science,” he stated.

The appointment comes amid significant shifts in federal vaccine policy. New Jersey recently joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a regional initiative formed to independently assess scientific guidance and make recommendations. On Monday, this collaborative publicly rejected recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, instead choosing to continue supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics’ childhood vaccine schedule.

Washington’s career in public health spans both government service and academia. He earned his bachelor of science degree, master’s in Public Health, and Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh. From 2012 to 2015, he worked as a health research scientist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthcare.

His academic background includes positions as an adjunct professor at multiple institutions, including Temple University (2019-2020), American University (2015-2017), and the Kaplan University School of Health Sciences (2013-2016). This combination of research, practical public health experience, and teaching establishes Washington as a well-rounded candidate for the state’s top health position.

If confirmed by the state Senate, Washington will replace Jeff Brown, who has been serving as acting health commissioner since April under current Governor Phil Murphy. The transition comes at a pivotal time for public health in New Jersey, as the state navigates ongoing challenges and adapts to shifting federal health policies.

The appointment reflects Sherrill’s emphasis on evidence-based public health leadership, particularly as her administration prepares to take office amid evolving national health policies. New Jersey’s membership in the Northeast Public Health Collaborative signals the state’s commitment to maintaining consistent regional health standards even when they differ from federal guidance.

Washington’s selection also underscores the growing importance of experienced public health officials in state government, especially as debates around vaccines and public health measures have become increasingly politicized in recent years. His background in epidemiology could prove particularly valuable as the state continues to address various public health challenges.

The New Jersey Department of Health oversees numerous critical functions, including disease prevention, health promotion, and regulation of healthcare facilities throughout the state, making Washington’s leadership role significant for millions of New Jersey residents.