HEATHER BABB
Arlington,VA
Summary
Dynamic senior communication advisor with a strong track record in leading strategic initiatives across public policy and national security. Successfully directed communication efforts to synchronize messaging with actions and foster public advocacy, strengthen domestic and international partnerships, and protect organizational reputation during times of crisis.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
DEPUTY ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS
Federal Transit Administration
Washington, DC
01.2025 - Current
- Lead a team responsible for government affairs, public affairs, stakeholder outreach, and executive support for the $21 billion federal transit program
- Synchronize messaging and tasks across the organization to ensure alignment with mission and Administration goals
- Manage workloads, establish priorities, and direct staff to meet competing demands
- Oversee budget planning and execution, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures while effectively allocating resources
- Oversee task management system for formal taskings and official record-keeping, enhancing organizational efficiency
CYBER POLICY ADVISOR
Office of the Secretary of Defense - Cyber Policy
Pentagon, Washington
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Created engagement strategy for Africa to align cyber activities with regional policy goals
- Advised on policies to strengthen international partnerships in the cyber domain
- Recommended cybersecurity measures for Western Hemisphere in support of FIFA World Cup games
CHIEF, COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
U.S. Africa Command
Stuttgart, Germany
11.2019 - 07.2023
- Managed command's communication response to COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination
- Led team in strategic communication efforts for U.S. military activities in Africa, enhancing stakeholder awareness and support
- Developed engagement strategy to align with posture testimony to Congress, fostering informed discussions with key policymakers
DEFENSE SPOKESPERSON
Pentagon
Washington, DC
06.2017 - 11.2019
- Represented the Pentagon to top-tier national and international media
- Advised media strategy and escorted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis during domestic and international travel.
- Led communication rollouts for: the creation of U.S. Cyber Command; artificial intelligence; enterprise cloud; defense environmental policy for PFAS chemicals; and privatized military housing
CHIEF, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
San Francisco, CA
11.2015 - 05.2017
- Led internal and external communications for South Pacific Division's $6 billion program across 10 states, ensuring stakeholder alignment and program visibility
- Developed strategic engagement strategy for $3 billion in Veterans Affairs construction projects, enhancing collaboration among key stakeholders
- Managed public relations campaigns to enhance organizational visibility and reputation.
CHIEF, PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANS
U.S. Africa Command
Stuttgart, Germany
12.2013 - 11.2015
- Developed and executed communication strategy for U.S. military's Ebola response in Liberia, enhancing public awareness and support
- Led team to develop and execute media strategy highlighting U.S. military operations in Africa
- Coordinated messaging with international partners to support normalization of U.S.-Somalia military relations
CHIEF, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
U.S. Army Africa
Vicenza, Italy
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Established strategic engagement process, coordinating from inception through execution and assessment to improve diplomatic relations
- Supported crisis response efforts post-attacks on U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, ensuring timely and effective communication
- Advised U.S. Army senior staff on communication strategies related to African affairs
DEPUTY, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
U.S. Southern Command
Miami, FL
09.2009 - 01.2011
- Developed and executed strategic communication plans for U.S. military activities in over 30 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, enhancing regional collaboration and understanding
- Coordinated public information campaigns for U.S. military disaster relief efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, improving community outreach and information dissemination
EDITOR, DIALOGO MAGAZINE
U.S. Southern Command (Information Operations)
Miami, FL
02.2006 - 09.2009
- Managed trilingual magazine serving military and security professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Reviewed and approved content to ensure clarity and compliance with guidelines.
- Increased direct distribution of magazine to foreign military partners by coordinating with embassies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive messaging strategies.
PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST
Broward County Government
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10.2000 - 02.2006
- Acted as spokesperson during hurricanes Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina, and Wilma.
- Supervised 10 voting sites following the 'hanging chad' elections resulting in smooth voting operations
Education
Master of National Security Strategy - National Security
National War College
Washington, DC06-2024
Master of Public AdministraƟon -
Florida AtlanƟc University
Boca Raton, FLBachelor of Journalism - minor in Spanish language
University of Florida
Gainesville, FLPublic Affairs Qualification Course -
Defense Information School
Fort Meade, MDSummer Institute On Public Diplomacy -
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CAJoint Operations Planning Course -
Joint Forces Command
Suffolk, VASkills
- Strategic communication
- Legislative strategy
- Legislative outreach
- Public policy advocacy
- National security
- Crisis management
- Executive advising
- Leading teams
Invitations
- Guest speaker, USAFRICOM Information Operations Symposium, Garmisch, Germany
- Guest speaker, Defense Environmental Restoration Program Conference, St. Louis, MO
- Host, USAFRICOM Public Affairs Symposium, Garmisch, Germany
- Online Instructor, Media Relations and Crisis, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA
- Strategic communication advisor (by-name request), Peru Chief of Defense, Lima, Peru
Languages
- Spanish
- Italian
- German
Timeline
DEPUTY ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS
Federal Transit Administration
01.2025 - Current
CYBER POLICY ADVISOR
Office of the Secretary of Defense - Cyber Policy
07.2024 - 01.2025
CHIEF, COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
U.S. Africa Command
11.2019 - 07.2023
DEFENSE SPOKESPERSON
Pentagon
06.2017 - 11.2019
CHIEF, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
11.2015 - 05.2017
CHIEF, PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANS
U.S. Africa Command
12.2013 - 11.2015
CHIEF, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
U.S. Army Africa
01.2011 - 12.2013
DEPUTY, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
U.S. Southern Command
09.2009 - 01.2011
EDITOR, DIALOGO MAGAZINE
U.S. Southern Command (Information Operations)
02.2006 - 09.2009
PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST
Broward County Government
10.2000 - 02.2006
Master of National Security Strategy - National Security
National War College
Master of Public AdministraƟon -
Florida AtlanƟc University
Bachelor of Journalism - minor in Spanish language
University of Florida
Public Affairs Qualification Course -
Defense Information School
Summer Institute On Public Diplomacy -
University of Southern California
Joint Operations Planning Course -
Joint Forces Command