CDC: Missing worker wasn’t passed over for promotion

ATLANTA — A month after an employee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disappeared, the federal agency says it hopes he’ll soon be found.

Atlanta police have said no one has heard from 35-year-old Timothy Cunningham since Feb. 12.

The CDC said Monday that reports Cunningham recently was passed over for a promotion are incorrect. Its statement says Cunningham received an “exceptional proficiency promotion” July 1 to the position of commander, an early promotion reflecting his “excellence” as an employee. The CDC says it’s working with Cunningham’s family and urges anyone with information to call police. Cunningham’s parents reported him missing Feb. 16 after going to his home and finding his belongings and vehicle there.

Police previously said they have no evidence of foul play but can’t rule it out.