Illinois' Top Doctor Ezike Stepping Down From IDPH After 3 Years

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state’s top doctor and head of the Illinois Department of Public Health, will step down from her position later this month after overseeing the department through the coronavirus pandemic and becoming a "beacon of stability."

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday called Ezike’s work “heroic” after she served as the director of the state health agency for the past three years. Ezike became one of the most familiar personalities associated with the pandemic since 2020 in Illinois and provided constant updates about caseloads and Illinois’ response to COVID-19.

"Being the state's top doc during a global pandemic has been challenging to say the least, but it's been an amazing journey to work with so many great public health professionals and leaders from all sectors," Ezike said in a statement Tuesday. "I want to thank Governor Pritzker for the opportunity he provided me and for his dedication to the people of this great state. The dedicated men and women of IDPH, will continue their mission-driven work to protect the health and safety of all Illinois residents."

Amaal Tokars, who has served as the agency’s assistant director, will move into an interim director’s role while the agency conducts a national search for a new director, officials announced.

Prior to joining the administration, Tokars worked at the Kendall County Health Department and served as the President of the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium. Previously, Tokars served at the Association for Individual Development for 14 years and managed over 30 health and human services sites and programs. Amaal received her Bachelor of Science from Lewis University, and her master's degree in family systems as well as a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy from Northern Illinois University.

Ezike’s final day at her post with the health department will be March 14.

“Ezike’s tenure (has been) defined not only by her ability to provide the latest expertise and data, but also her empathy and compassion - becoming a beacon of stability for millions during a time of tremendous uncertainty," Pritzker said. "No number of sleepless nights and endless days could wear down her commitment to think first and foremost of Illinois' most vulnerable. Her departure is a change I am loathe to accept, but I have utmost faith that Dr. Ezike's next journey will also bring more good to the world — as has been the hallmark of every step of her career. She will go down in the Illinois history books as a woman who saved lives and changed our state for the better."