American physician and diplomat Deborah Birx was the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator from 2020 to 2021. A global medical expert with specializations in HIV/AIDS, cellular immunology, and vaccine research, she has also been the US Global AIDS Coordinator (April 2014-January 2021) and the US Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy (January 2015-January 2021). She led the implementation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. She has also penned numerous research papers and a book on the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication to global health has won her prestigious awards, such as the Legion of Merit and the CDC’s William C. Watson, Jr. Medal of Excellence. She is also known for her award-winning work to develop laboratory facilities in Africa. A mother of 2, she is married to American attorney Paige Reffe and lives in a multi-generational family.
