Gov. Deal picks interim Georgia public health director

Dr. J. Patrick O’Neal was appointed interim commissioner of the state’s Department of Public Health Friday by Gov. Nathan Deal.

O'Neal, director of Health Protection for the agency, was named to replace DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, who was appointed by President Trump to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Dr. Fitzgerald has led the public health agency since 2001. She had previously served on the state Board of Education and as a health care advisor to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and the late-Sen. Paul Coverdell.

O’Neal has overseen more than a dozen public health programs at DPH, including epidemiology, infectious disease, immunization, emergency preparedness efforts and the Georgia Public Health Lab. He previously practiced emergency medicine for 29 years at DeKalb Medical Center.

About the Author

David Perdue confirmed as ambassador to China with bipartisan support

Former Georgia U.S. Sen. David Perdue was confirmed as ambassador to China with a bipartisan vote.

Georgia Republicans in Congress stick with Trump and his policies

President Donald Trump's approval rating is dipping in several polls, but Georgia's Republican congressional delegation remains loyal.

LISTEN

Metro Atlanta congressional challenger: ‘You can’t outwork me’

Democrat Everton Blair says he would bring a new generation of leadership to Congress.

The Latest

Credit: Nathan Posner for the AJC

David Perdue confirmed as ambassador to China with bipartisan support

LISTEN

Metro Atlanta congressional challenger: ‘You can’t outwork me’

Georgia Republicans in Congress stick with Trump and his policies

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC

After protests, lawsuits, and millions spent, Atlanta training center opens today

The state-of-the-art center became a flashpoint for activists, who formed a movement called “Stop Cop City.” One protester was shot by police and dozens more face charges.

A beloved Southern condiment is sandwiched between regions

Ownership of Duke’s Real Mayonnaise hasn’t been so stable lately. The most recent sale was in February to Northern-based private equity firm Advent International.

Antisemitic party invite raises uproar at Savannah college

Jewish students at the Savannah College of Art and Design were shocked when they saw what appeared to be an antisemitic party invitation on social media.