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Richard Hatchett
CEO of CEPI – Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
Professional Background
Richard Hatchett is a distinguished public health leader who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). CEPI is a groundbreaking partnership formed with the mission of funding and coordinating the development of vaccines to combat COVID-19 and other emerging infectious disease threats. Under Hatchett's dynamic leadership, CEPI has been instrumental in advancing global health security by enabling swift vaccine development against potential epidemics.
Before taking the helm at CEPI, Dr. Hatchett served in critical roles within the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. His extensive experience in public health includes designing and leading innovative medical countermeasure development programs at both the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is within these roles that he undertook significant planning and responses to various public health emergencies, such as the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, as well as the Ebola, MERS, and Zika virus epidemics. Hatchett's pragmatic and results-oriented leadership style has made him a trusted figure in managing complex stakeholder interactions while advocating for effective global health security strategies.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Hatchett's journey into public health began with a solid educational foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English from Vanderbilt University, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, also from Vanderbilt's prestigious School of Medicine. This unique combination of an English degree and medical training reflects his ability to communicate complex health issues in a relatable manner, making him not only a skilled medical professional but also an engaging storyteller and advocate.
His academic and professional journey is complemented by numerous notable achievements throughout his career. As a leader at CEPI, he has been at the forefront of global pandemic preparedness, emphasizing the need for collaborative partnerships across public, private, and philanthropic sectors. This multifaceted approach has allowed him to create robust agendas focused on epidemic prevention and response, particularly during the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.
Additionally, Hatchett held the position of Director (Acting) at BARDA, where he extensively directed advanced research and development efforts to enhance the nation’s medical countermeasures against biological threats. His contributions to the field extend beyond administration; as a Senior Adviser at the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and as a Clinical Coordinator with the Yale Ebola Project, he played a direct role in responding to significant public health crises through organization and clinical leadership.
Achievements
Dr. Richard Hatchett's impressive career is marked by numerous achievements that underscore his commitment to improving global health outcomes. Not only has he been pivotal in overseeing responses to various infectious disease outbreaks, but he has also been a leading advocate for vaccine development—most notably in his role at CEPI, where he has driven initiatives aimed at securing funding and support for critical research and infrastructure.
One of his most significant contributions has been his direct involvement in formulating health policies that bolster national and international readiness against public health emergencies. His visionary leadership has enabled collaborative projects that significantly advanced vaccine technology and distribution strategies, ensuring timely interventions during health crises.
Moreover, Dr. Hatchett's ability to navigate complex stakeholder interactions, combined with his adept diplomatic skills, has fostered fruitful partnerships that transcend traditional public health frameworks. He stands out as a global thought leader whose insights and expertise are sought after in forums and conferences related to public health, global health security, and pandemic preparedness.
In summary, Dr. Richard Hatchett exemplifies the ideals of a dedicated public health professional. His commitment to ensuring that health innovations and responses are equitable and efficient resonates through his leadership at CEPI and his previous roles across multiple significant health organizations. Richard continues to inspire new generations of public health leaders while ensuring a more prepared global community. His combination of medical expertise, policy development experience, and a strong sense of global engagement ultimately positions him as a pivotal figure in the landscape of modern epidemic preparedness and response.