Toggle – Shelley Jorgensen

Dr. Shelley Jorgensen, PhD, serves as Director of the Division of Regulatory Science and Compliance within the Office of Readiness and Response at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this role, she leads national programs that oversee regulatory compliance, biosafety, and biosecurity for laboratories working with infectious biological agents and toxins. Her portfolio includes oversight of select agent regulations, poliovirus containment efforts, and importation controls, ensuring alignment with U.S. policy and international standards for laboratory safety and security. Dr. Jorgensen brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, biomedical research, and regulatory science. Her career has focused on strengthening biosafety frameworks, advancing responsible laboratory practices, and supporting public health preparedness. She has held senior leadership roles guiding compliance programs, personnel reliability initiatives, and institutional oversight efforts designed to protect laboratory workers, communities, and global health. In addition to her regulatory leadership, Dr. Jorgensen has contributed to national research and medical programs supporting infectious disease response and trauma care innovation. She has led collaborative, multi-institutional initiatives aimed at improving clinical outcomes and strengthening health systems for both civilian and military populations. Dr. Jorgensen began her career as a microbiologist and clinical laboratory scientist, with specialized training in clinical laboratory medicine, laboratory management, and operations in complex environments. Her experience includes supporting large-scale public health responses and workforce readiness efforts during global health emergencies. She earned her PhD in biological defense from George Mason University, a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Central Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Tampa.