Alex Azar brings a wealth of healthcare experience from both the U.S. government and the private sector, which gives him a unique perspective and background. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all Americans. As the 24th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, he successfully managed a large organization with a budget exceeding $1.4 trillion. One of his notable achievements was his pivotal role in the development and implementation of Operation Warp Speed, which facilitated the rapid distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
In addition to his accomplishments, Azar has led several initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid crisis, expanding private insurance options, improving transparency in healthcare, expanding telehealth services, giving patients access to their health records, and transforming payment systems to prioritize health outcomes. He has also been actively involved in global health efforts, leading U.S. health security initiatives and collaborating with international organizations to tackle public health threats.
Before his government service, Azar served as the president of Lilly USA, LLC, a prominent pharmaceutical affiliate, and held various leadership positions in the industry. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he earned his bachelor's degree, and Yale University, where he obtained his law degree. Currently, Azar serves as an advisor, sits on multiple corporate and advisory boards, and remains engaged in various policy and healthcare organizations.
Thanks to his extensive expertise and achievements, Azar is frequently sought after as a speaker on topics such as global public health, purpose-driven leadership, healthcare reform, and the valuable lessons learned from Operation Warp Speed.