On March 18, 2025, STAT publishes a list of 8 key personnel at HHS, below the levels of Secretary or agency heads.
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Heather Flick – HHS Chief of Staff
A Trump-era legal adviser and former GOP election integrity lawyer, Flick now serves as a key aide to Secretary Kennedy and attends high-level meetings like the MAHA Commission. -
Hannah Anderson – Deputy Chief of Staff (Policy)
Former director at the America First Policy Institute and ex-Senate health policy adviser, she brings extensive experience in drug pricing and private insurance policy. -
Shana Weir – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Known for challenging 2020 election results on Trump’s behalf, Weir now oversees administration duties and has ties to several MAGA PACs. -
Stefanie Spear – Principal Deputy Chief of Staff & Senior Counselor
A longtime Kennedy ally and former environmental blogger, she’s influential at HHS but controversial due to her progressive background and vaccine skepticism. -
Matthew Memoli – Acting NIH Director
A respiratory virus researcher critical of vaccine mandates, Memoli has led NIH through major changes and is expected to be replaced soon by Trump ally Jay Bhattacharya. -
Drew Snyder – Director of Medicaid
A former Mississippi Medicaid chief known for cost control and expanding maternal care, Snyder is now rolling back Biden-era social support rules at the federal level. -
Christopher Carroll – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at SAMHSA
A longtime HHS finance and policy specialist, Carroll is a surprise acting SAMHSA leader facing criticism over recent staff cuts and lack of public health focus. -
Michael B. Stuart – HHS General Counsel (Pending Confirmation)
A West Virginia state senator and former U.S. Attorney, Stuart is a vaccine policy critic and MAHA supporter awaiting Senate confirmation to lead HHS legal affairs
