By Eric Koch
BRUNSWICK, Maine: Dr. Nirav Shah, a nationally respected public health expert and former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has been named to The Washington Post’s prestigious Post Next 50 list — an annual recognition of leaders expected to shape public life and policy in the year ahead.
The Post Next 50 highlights individuals across health, science, business, technology, culture, and public service whose work is influencing how the country thinks, governs, and responds to emerging challenges. Selected from hundreds of nominees by journalists throughout The Washington Post newsroom, the list focuses on people whose ideas and leadership are anticipated to have a lasting impact both locally and nationally.
Dr. Shah is the only person from Maine to appear on this year’s list, placing him among a high-profile group of national figures that includes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Texas U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, and internationally known biochemist David Liu. His inclusion underscores both his professional accomplishments and his growing influence in national public health conversations.
“This recognition really belongs to the people of Maine,” Dr. Shah said. “During the most difficult moments of the pandemic, Mainers showed up for one another, trusted science, and put community first. I was honored to serve alongside thousands of dedicated public health workers, clinicians, and volunteers who helped keep our state safe.”
Dr. Shah rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic while leading the Maine CDC, where his calm demeanor, clear public communication, and reliance on data-driven decision-making earned widespread praise. At a time marked by uncertainty and fear, he became a trusted voice for many residents, explaining complex health information in a way that was accessible and transparent.
Following his tenure in Maine, Dr. Shah was appointed by the Biden administration to serve as Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In that role, he helped shape national public health strategy, preparedness efforts, and responses to ongoing and emerging health threats — further solidifying his reputation as one of the country’s leading public health professionals.
The national recognition arrives as Dr. Shah’s political profile continues to rise in his home state. His campaign for governor of Maine has gained notable momentum, marked by strong polling numbers in the Democratic primary, early ballot qualification, and the launch of the race’s first statewide volunteer organizing program. Those developments reflect a campaign built around grassroots support and a message that appears to be resonating with voters across the state.
Together, Dr. Shah’s inclusion on the Post Next 50 list and his growing political support highlight a career defined by service, leadership, and trust — qualities that have guided his work from the front lines of a global pandemic to the national stage, and now back home as he seeks to continue serving the people of Maine.
