Demetre Daskalakis

Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH, is a nationally recognized physician and public health leader in infectious diseases and emergency response. He received his BA from Columbia, MD from NYU, and MPH from Harvard, followed by advanced training at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess and Partners Healthcare.

Dr. Daskalakis is the Chief Medical Officer of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York City, a leader in LGBTQ+ health locally and nationally. Prior to this role, he has held major leadership roles at the New York City Department of Health, overseeing HIV, TB, STD, immunization, and laboratory programs, and managing responses to measles, Legionella, and New York City’s initial COVID-19 outbreak. At the CDC, he directed the Division of HIV Prevention and later led the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, where he managed strategies for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and the transition of the U.S. COVID-19 vaccine program to commercialization. He played a critical role in national responses to respiratory virus threats and managed high-profile outbreaks including measles and avian influenza, demonstrating trauma-informed leadership during challenging events like the August 2025 CDC shooting.

As Deputy Coordinator of the White House National Mpox Response, Dr. Daskalakis’s innovative approaches led to a dramatic reduction in daily cases. Throughout his career, he has championed health equity, LGBTQ+ health, and evidence-based policy, shaping national and global strategies in HIV prevention and vaccination.