Gates Package — page 1293

From: Melinda French @mfgates.com> To: @od.nih.gov" @od.nih.gov> Cc: @nih.gov" @nih.gov> Subject: With admiration Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:55:36 -0400 Importance: Normal Francis, I saw the news of your stepping down from the helm of the NIH and wanted to send a note of gratitude for all you've done as Director. I know you've been a tremendous colleague and valued partner to the foundation. I've admired and appreciated your leadership both over the course of our collaboration and during the extraordinarily challenging moments the pandemic has brought. Your ability to take on vastly varied challenges and to lead across division has done so much for the world and for the inclusivity of your field. What a bar you've set for whoever comes next, and what a distance you've carried the baton they'll pick up. Thank you, for your partnership and your leadership, - Melinda French Gates