Illinois' top health official, who was front and center in the state’s fight against COVID-19 transmission, is resigning.
Governor JB Pritzker announced today, March 1, that Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, is leaving the organization after three years of service.
During a 2020 interview, Ezike told WNIJ "The virus is not thinking about, you know, where you live, or what your skin color is or what your political affiliation is, it's coming after everyone. And the only way we can combat it is if we come together."
Today, she shared a message of reflection.
"It has been a great honor serving the people of Illinois as the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health,” said Ezike. “Being the state's top doc during a global pandemic has been challenging to say the least, but it's been an amazing journey to work with so many great public health professionals and leaders from all sectors."
Pritzker said he is loath to acknowledge her departure.
“I have utmost faith that Dr. Ezike's next journey will also bring more good to the world - as has been the hallmark of every step of her career,” stated Pritzker in a IDPH press release. “She will go down in the Illinois history books as a woman who saved lives and changed our state for the better."
Amaal V.E. Tokars, IDPH’s assistant director, will work as the interim director of the department until Ezike’s position is filled.
Ezike’s last day with the agency will be March 14.
