Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike is leaving her position later this month.
Dr. Ezike became a recognizable name as she helped guide the state through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Governor JB Pritzker has high praise for his Director after her three years of service to the state.
“I am not putting it lightly when I say she has had one of the hardest jobs in the world. There is something particularly heroic about the service of an extraordinary individual who did not seek greatness, but found it anyway.”
Her tenure included long hours and daily press conferences during a global pandemic, providing the latest data to the public in both english and spanish.
Ezike tearfully spoke of the challenge.
“I am so blessed to have been able to bring some measure and comfort to Illinoisans. To quiet some of the chaos and infuse some calm”
Ezike is the first black woman to serve as Illinois Public Health Director. She says she has no immediate plans except to reconnect with family. The agency’s Assistant Director will assume her position until a replacement is found.
