Kiana Morris is the Chief Strategy Officer for the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She has a wealth of experience in policy, planning, partnership engagement, executive coaching, strategic management, communications, and project management. Kiana partners with leaders to enhance organizational value, foster transparency, promote accountability, and focus on risk mitigation. She leads change management, innovation, and partnership engagement between the private sector, CDC, HHS, and the Federal Statistical System to support NCHS’s mission and needs.
Morris was awarded the Top “40 Under 40” for Young Government Leaders (2018), University of Georgia “40 Under 40” (2020), Atlanta Business Chronicle “40 Under 40” (2022), and Clark Atlanta University Top “40 Under 40” (2023).
What did your career path look like?
I’ve worked at the agency for 14 years and have had several different career paths on my journey. I’ve been an Associate Director for Policy and Communications, Director of the Office of Planning, Budget, and Legislation, and worked on the COVID-19 emergency response. Each experience prepared me to serve in my current role as Chief Strategy Officer. I always look for gaps or opportunities to problem solve and increase efficacy while reaching a common goal.
What has been your biggest career high and your biggest career low?
Last year, I was fortunate to work in Tanzania on an assignment where I supported high-profile events, campaigns, and partnerships for the U.S. Ambassador and Director of CDC. That experience opened new opportunities and helped me [grow] personally and professionally. My first time being furloughed due to a government shutdown was terrifying. Now that I’ve experienced a few, I now know how to better navigate [in] uncertainty.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
Black people are disproportionately impacted by health disparities due to systemic inequalities in healthcare, education, economic status, and social factors. My mother had a stroke, [my] father had a heart attack, and [my] sister was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis — all occurring between the ages of 20-40. I believe in educating others who lack access to resources. Together, we will help save lives and change the trajectory of public health for all people.
What other role models do you look up to in different industries and why?
On a more personal note, I’m proud of my former classmate Aisha “Pinky” Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan restaurant. We both started our journeys in the same dormitory at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and seeing her dream become [a] reality is invigorating. CAU was our stomping grounds to learn how to “find a way or make one,” and it’s evident that [that] motto has become a lifestyle for us both. She’s representing the class of ’09 well.
