Beginning in 1989, Manley held a host of government jobs with the U.S. Public Health Service including becoming the first black woman to serve as Principal Deputy Assistant for Public Health (1989), Member of the U.S. Delegation to UNICEF and the UNICEF/WHO Joint Committee on Health Policy (1990-1993), Deputy Surgeon General (1994), and Co-founder Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health. Manley became the first black woman to serve as acting Surgeon General of the United States from 1995 to 1997, between the tenures of Joycelyn Elders and David Satcher. During her tenure, Manley focused on emphasizing the importance of physical activity and the health benefits accompanying exercise.
