UAB’s Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo to replace Dr. Fauci as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - UAB’s Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo has been named the Director of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

She is replacing Dr. Anthony Fauci who stepped down from the position in 2022. Dr. Marrazzo is currently the director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UAB.

“Dr. Marrazzo brings a wealth of leadership experience from leading international clinical trials and translational research, managing a complex organizational budget that includes research funding and mentoring trainees in all stages of professional development,” said Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D. “I look forward to welcoming Dr. Marrazzo to the NIH leadership team.”

NIH said she will oversee a $6.3 billion budget which supports research to advance the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases.

Dr. Michael Saag worked directly with Dr. Marrazzo during her time at UAB and he says he is proud of her.

“She is a wonderful physician scientist and she’s done a great job here at UAB leading the infectious disease division,” he said. “The job she’s taking on is a very big job... To have that kind of influence and authority and leadership challenge, that’s a big big deal.”

UAB also released a statement Wednesday from President Ray Watts and Anupam Agarwal, Senior VP of Medicine and Dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Part of it reads:

“This is a great opportunity for Dr. Marrazzo to make a big difference to the country, and it is indicative of the high regard that exists for both her and UAB. While we are sad to see her go, we are delighted that Jeanne has been called to this national service and we are proud to count her as one of us at UAB.”

She is expected to begin her role as NIAID Director in the fall. UAB says they will begin a nationwide search for her successor in the Division of Infectious Diseases.

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