Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 JA N UA R Y 2 3 , 2 0 2 3 This is Sloane. We were there when her parents bought the house. We're here now as she chases fairies in the garden. Someday she'll buy her own home and start her own family. And when that day arrives, we'll be there. 1-800-447-4559 | bathsavings.bank MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER P O L I T I C S & C O. One of Maine's most recognized faces in the pandemic leaves for DC B y P e t e r V a n A l l e n a n d L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r D r. Nirav Shah, a public figure Mainers became familiar with during the pandemic, is headed to Washington, D.C. Shah will join the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after guiding the Maine CDC through what could be argued was its most tumultu- ous period — the COVID-19 pandemic. In his new role, Shah will be the principal deputy director of the U.S. CDC. Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew appointed Shah as head of the Maine CDC in June 2019.. "Since his arrival in Maine before the pandemic, and every day throughout it, Dr. Shah has been a trusted advisor to me and an extraordinary leader of the Maine CDC," said Gov. Janet Mills. "But even more than that, he was a trusted advisor and a leader to the people of Maine during one of the greatest public health crises of our time. Day after day, week after week, Dr. Shah spoke calmly and directly to the people of Maine, many of whom were scared and uncertain." Maine DHHS will conduct a national search for the next Maine CDC director. In the interim, Deputy Director Nancy Beardsley will serve as acting director, a position she held prior to Shah's arrival. Accolades from other leaders "Nirav was a tremendous, yet humble leader during one of the most challenging public health events in our history, guiding our state, the Maine CDC, our loved ones, and neighbors through frightening and perilous times. I and my colleagues will always be grateful to him." said Erik Steele, president of the Maine Medical Association, which nominated Shah for a national award. In September 2022, the American Medical Association honored Shah with its "Outstanding Government Service" award at the state level. In December, the Hospice of Southern Maine pre- sented Shah with its Pope Leadership Award. "As director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and our fearless leader dur- ing the pandemic, Dr. Shah has truly personified those characteristics," said Daryl Cady, CEO of Hospice of Southern Maine. MaineHealth CEO Dr. Andy Mueller said that, along with Lambrew, Shah's "calm and sensible advice, as well as his leadership during our vaccination efforts, saved countless lives." "We at MaineHealth are grateful for his contribu- tions and sad Maine is losing him," said Mueller. "However, we are also proud that he is stepping into a leadership role with the U.S. CDC, where he will no doubt once again distinguish himself as a public health champion." F I L E P H O T O / M A U R E E N M I L L I K E N Dr. Nirav Shah, right, is seen with Gov. Janet Mills during a press conference early in the pandemic.

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