Elizabeth (Beth) Cameron

Elizabeth (Beth) Cameron is a prominent figure in global health security and biodefense with over two decades of experience in both government and non-government roles.14 She currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Global Health Security at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).45

Professional Background

Dr. Cameron holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia.12 Her career has been marked by significant contributions to national and global health security:

Government Roles::

• Served two tours on the White House National Security Council staff, establishing and leading the Directorate on Global Health Security and Biodefense13
• Held senior positions at the Departments of State and Defense, overseeing biological and chemical security efforts14
• Awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service for her work13

Non-Government Roles::

• Vice President for Biological Policy and Programs at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI)23
• Architect of NTI | bio, a program aimed at countering biological catastrophes1
• Manager of policy research for the American Cancer Society12

Current Positions

In addition to her role at USAID, Dr. Cameron holds several other positions:

• Professor of the Practice and Senior Advisor to the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health14
• Practitioner Senior Fellow of the Miller Center at the University of Virginia1

Achievements and Expertise

Dr. Cameron is recognized for her contributions to global health security:

• Instrumental in developing and launching the Global Health Security Agenda12
• Co-led the development of the Global Health Security Index3
• Oversaw U.S. global COVID-19 response efforts1
• Authored the 2016 "pandemic playbook" for the Obama White House3

She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and continues to be a leading voice in biosecurity, biodefense, and pandemic preparedness.135