JEFF VENTURA
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Public affairs and strategic communications executive with 15+ years of experience leading state and local advocacy campaigns, advising senior executives, and navigating complex legislative, regulatory, and political environments. Proven record of building coalitions, managing consultants, and translating policy, market, and media dynamics into actionable strategies for industry leaders. Background spans national trade associations, federal government, Fortune-scale enterprises, and major regulatory agencies.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Communications
COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE NUTRITION (CRN)
02.2023 - Current
- Lead public affairs and communications strategy for a $50B regulated industry facing fragmented state policy landscapes, enforcement scrutiny, and high-stakes legislative activity.
- Advise the President & CEO and member company executives on advocacy positioning, message discipline, and stakeholder engagement, with emphasis on state and local dynamics.
- Design and execute integrated public affairs campaigns leveraging media, research, third-party validators, and member engagement to support policy objectives.
- Partner closely with government affairs and member relations teams to align communications with legislative and regulatory advocacy priorities.
- Manage consultants, external partners, and vendors supporting public affairs initiatives.
- Directed campaigns that increased earned media reach by 450% year over year, strengthening credibility with policymakers, regulators, and opinion leaders.
- Serve as Executive Director of the CRN Foundation, leading public-facing initiatives that advance awareness, engagement, and long-term industry trust.
Director of Communications, Office of Women’s Health
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
05.2022 - 02.2023
- Led national public affairs and communications efforts in a high-visibility, politically sensitive environment.
- Developed messaging strategies supporting federal policy initiatives and stakeholder engagement across diverse audiences.
- Coordinated communications with internal leadership, interagency partners, and external organizations to ensure consistency and credibility.
Director of Communications, National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
05.2020 - 05.2022
- Served as senior communications strategist and spokesperson for an institute managing $477M in federal research funding.
- Advised executive leadership on legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder communications, aligning with NIH, HHS, and White House priorities.
- Directed multi-agency communications initiatives and executive messaging tied to national research and policy objectives.
- Oversaw web, digital, media, and print programs while preserving institutional credibility and brand alignment.
Division Chief, Office of Communications & Health Education (Center for Tobacco Products)
U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
03.2016 - 05.2020
- Led external affairs and public communications for a major FDA center operating under constant congressional, industry, and media scrutiny.
- Managed a 40-person multidisciplinary team and an $8M budget, including large-scale public education and outreach campaigns.
- Developed long-range public affairs strategies supporting regulatory actions, enforcement initiatives, and crisis response.
- Counseled senior leadership on politically sensitive issues, public response planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Senior Advisor, Office of the Commissioner
U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
04.2014 - 03.2016
- Advised FDA leadership on media relations and public affairs strategy across high-profile regulatory and enforcement matters.
- Served as an on-the-record spokesperson on rulemaking, recalls, drug approvals, advisory committee decisions, and crisis events.
Executive Director / Senior Vice President
GOLIN
09.2013 - 03.2014
- Led national media relations and integrated public affairs campaigns for clients in highly regulated industries.
- Developed messaging platforms designed to influence policy discourse and public perception.
Director of Communications
CVS HEALTH
10.2011 - 09.2013
- Provided executive counsel on corporate reputation, public policy, and stakeholder engagement for a Fortune-scale organization.
- Played a central role in communications strategy supporting CVS’s decision to remove tobacco products nationwide.
Director of Communications, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
06.2007 - 10.2010
- Directed internal and external communications for the operational arm of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Served as spokesperson and senior advisor on institutional initiatives and public engagement strategies.
- Led communications planning for the Speaker’s Green the Capitol Initiative, coordinating across offices and stakeholders.
Education
M.S. - Journalism
Columbia University
M.S. - Communications
Simmons University
B.F.A. - Writing, Publishing & Literature
Emerson College
Skills
- Public Affairs Strategy
- State & Local Advocacy
- Legislative & Regulatory Communications
- Coalition & Stakeholder Engagement
- Grassroots & Third-Party Mobilization
- Executive Advisory & Issues Management
- Political & Policy Analysis
- Media & Strategic Communications
- Crisis & Reputation Management
- Consultant & Budget Oversight
Timeline
Vice President, Communications
COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE NUTRITION (CRN)
02.2023 - Current
Director of Communications, Office of Women’s Health
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
05.2022 - 02.2023
Director of Communications, National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
05.2020 - 05.2022
Division Chief, Office of Communications & Health Education (Center for Tobacco Products)
U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
03.2016 - 05.2020
Senior Advisor, Office of the Commissioner
U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
04.2014 - 03.2016
Executive Director / Senior Vice President
GOLIN
09.2013 - 03.2014
Director of Communications
CVS HEALTH
10.2011 - 09.2013
Director of Communications, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
06.2007 - 10.2010
M.S. - Communications
Simmons University
B.F.A. - Writing, Publishing & Literature
Emerson College
M.S. - Journalism
Columbia University