Gayle was able to use the foundations of his individual power to overcome all the economic, social and political problems associated with fighting the AIDS epidemic. The manner in which Dr. Gayle used these powers was based on his expert power and legitimate power. Extremely similar to professionalism, expert power occurs when a public administrator uses their skills and knowledge to lead others (Starling, 2011, p. 85). Not only did her medical knowledge about AIDS help her, but her extensive knowledge of different communities also helped her gain respect and power within the CDC. Dr. Gayle also had legitimate power. Legitimate power comes from the formal position of the leader (Starling, 2011, p. 85). Dr. Gayle was given legitimate power through her role as director of the Washing CDC office, her role as director of the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP), and finally her role as senior advisor to from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. All of these titles and leadership roles have given Dr. Gayle the power to influence various policy areas related to the fight against AIDS.