Milbank Memorial Fund Names Debra Lubar Next President

Public health leader with expertise in population health strategy, policy, and operations to succeed Christopher Koller on December 1, 2025

Debra Lubar, PhD, who served in leadership roles at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under five administrations, will become the Milbank Memorial Fund’s 11th president on December 1, 2025, succeeding Christopher Koller, who has been president since July 2013. Most recently, Lubar served as Chief Operating Officer at CDC, where she led agency-wide operations, developed program and policy strategy, and oversaw budget planning and execution for the $19 billion, 22,000-employee federal agency.

As Director of CDC’s Office of Policy, Performance, and Evaluation, Lubar established modern policy processes to enhance transparency and effectiveness of CDC guidance, regulations, and programs. Prior to holding these agency-wide roles, she was Deputy Director of CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, where she directed program strategy, operations, congressional affairs and public policy, communications, and human resources for one of CDC’s largest national centers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Debra at this critical moment for the Fund and its mission of improving health and health equity,” said John M. Colmers, Chair of the Milbank Memorial Fund Board. “Her leadership experience and strategic vision will help guide this 120-year-old organization and its outstanding staff through these challenging times for the health of our communities.”

While at CDC, Lubar led aspects of the agency’s historic COVID-19 response, including directing over $40 billion in emergency funding to support testing, laboratory capacity, community mitigation, and data infrastructure in states. She also guided congressional and White House interactions that led to increased resources for high-priority efforts such as antibiotic resistance.

“The Milbank Memorial Fund has been a force in health policy for over a century,” Lubar said. “As states face unprecedented challenges, I am proud to steer Milbank’s nonpartisan support for our country’s leaders with the evidence and networks they need to protect and improve population health for all.”

In prior CDC positions, Lubar oversaw budgets and appropriations for Zika and Ebola responses and helped to lead CDC’s national efforts to prevent and control chronic disease. Before joining CDC, Dr. Lubar was Chief Policy Advisor in the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Lubar has a PhD in social work from the University of Georgia, a MSW from Boston University, and a BS from Cornell University. She is a Presidential Rank Award winner, the highest honor for senior federal career employees, recognizing significant accomplishments and leadership in public service.

“Debra’s leadership in blending evidence and experience to inform public policy and her deep collaborations with state and local partners give her keen insight into the challenges central to realizing Milbank’s vision, where all people and communities are inherently valued and can enjoy long, full, healthy lives,” said Milbank President Christopher Koller. “Milbank and its constituents will benefit from this expertise, as well as her commitment and enthusiasm.”

The Milbank Memorial Fund Board of Directors selected Lubar as the next president in September after a national search led by Korn Ferry.