President Donald Trump’s latest nominee to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a newly released ethics disclosure that she will sell stock and resign from the positions she holds if senators confirm her to lead the public health agency.
Dr. Erica Schwartz said in the filing, dated June 16 and released by the government on June 22, that she would resign from her job with UnitedHealth Group upon being confirmed.
Schwartz said that in that scenario, the insurance company would provide her with a payment equivalent to one year’s salary, as well as a bonus, before becoming the CDC’s director.
“Following my termination with the company and before I assume the duties of the position of Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the company agreed to cash out my unvested restricted stock units and unvested stock options that would have vested should I have continued to be employed by the company during the period of August 2026 through August 2027,” Schwartz said.
“Any remaining unvested restricted stock units or unvested options will be forfeited upon the date my employment is terminated.”
Schwartz said that she would not participate in any matters involving UnitedHealth Group for two years from the date of the last payment from UnitedHealth Group, unless she is provided with a written waiver.
Schwartz also said that she holds positions with the Butterfly Network, a company that manufactures portable ultrasound systems, and Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, and that she would step down from those roles if the Senate confirms her.
She also pledged to divest from the companies “as soon as practicable but not later than 90 days” after her confirmation and to not participate in related matters for two years, absent a written waiver.
If confirmed, Schwartz also said neither she nor any direct family members would acquire a financial interest in entities involved in areas related to the Department of Health and Human Services’ work and oversight, such as veterinary and tobacco products. The department includes various divisions, such as the Food and Drug Administration, in addition to the CDC.
Trump nominated Schwartz in April, after a search handled by administration officials following the termination of Susan Monarez in the fall of 2025. Monarez was director of the CDC for four weeks before being fired over clashes with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine guidance and policy.
Schwartz, who was previously the Coast Guard’s chief medical officer, has expressed support for vaccines and vaccine mandates, drawing criticism from Kennedy allies such as Kennedy’s former lawyer, Aaron Siri.
Kennedy told lawmakers that he approved of Schwartz and that he had vetted her position on vaccines.
The Senate Health Committee, which is going over Schwartz’s nomination, has not yet scheduled a hearing to ask her questions prior to a possible vote to advance her nomination to the full Senate.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the committee’s chairman, who recently lost in a primary race after Trump endorsed one of his opponents, did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.









