Rachel Fisher
Bethesda,MD
Summary
Enterprise-level strategist with 20+ years of experience designing and leading complex, cross-sector initiatives at the intersection of nutrition, healthcare, and food systems. Proven ability to shape theory of change frameworks, steward multimillion-dollar portfolios, and align federal agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners around measurable strategies that expand access to healthy, affordable food. Recognized national leader in Food Is Medicine and federal nutrition with deep expertise in emergency food infrastructure, community food systems, and policy implementation. Expertise in highly matrixed environments, influencing senior stakeholders, and translating systems-level priorities into operational execution and impact measurement.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Public Health Advisor
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
01.2020 - Current
- Lead national strategies advancing nutritious food access, chronic disease prevention, and community thriving through cross-sector coordination, portfolio management, and policy integration.
- Acting Executive Director, President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition | 2021–2023
Nutritionist
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Key lead for development of NIH’s first cross-institute strategic plan for nutrition research, aligning research investments with national health priorities.
- Coordinated public engagement and cross-institute collaboration to inform federal nutrition research priorities.
- Led and evaluated programs addressing obesity, food insecurity, and health disparities, including initiatives serving children with disabilities.
- Authored and contributed to foundational research and policy reports informing national dialogue on food insecurity and nutrition science.
- Program Analyst | 2005–2013
Senior Health Policy Analyst
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Analyzed hospital and emergency department utilization data to inform state health access and financing policy.
- Developed legislative briefings and public reports for executive leadership and policymakers.
- Division of Health Care Finance & Policy
Education
Master of Science (MS) - Nutrition
Tufts University
Master of Public Health (MPH) - undefined
Tufts University
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Dietetics
James Madison University
Certification
- Registered Dietitian (RDN)
- Certificate in Adult Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration
Timeline
Senior Public Health Advisor
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
01.2020 - Current
Nutritionist
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
01.2013 - 01.2020
Senior Health Policy Analyst
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services
01.2003 - 01.2005
Master of Public Health (MPH) - undefined
Tufts University
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Dietetics
James Madison University
Master of Science (MS) - Nutrition
Tufts University
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Nominated, 2025 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, ODPHP Director’s Award (White House Conference Leadership), NIH Director’s Award, NIDDK “You Make a Difference” Awards (2018, 2013)
HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS
- Fisher, R., & Piercy, K. (2024). Progress to implement the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services. Nutrition Today, 59(5), 211–219.
- Jury, N., Fisher, R., McDonald, E., & Piercy, K. (2024). Food is medicine research needs: Summary of public responses to the National Institutes of Health request for information. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://odphp.health.gov/foodismedicine/research-and-measurement/public-input-research-needs
- Brown, A. G. M., Adas, S., de Jesus, J., Farmer, N., Fisher, R., & Pratt, C. A. (2024). Bridging the gap: The need to implement dietary guidance to address cardiovascular health. Nutrients, 16(13), 2125.
- Fisher, R., Piercy, K. L., de Jesus, J. M., Reed, P., & Levine, R. L. (2023). Putting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans into action through the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Journal of Food Law & Policy, 19(1).
- Brown, A. G. M., Esposito, L. E., Fisher, R. A., Nicastro, H. L., Tabor, D. C., & Walker, J. R. (2019). Food insecurity and obesity: Research gaps, opportunities, and challenges. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 9(5), 980–987.
- Johnson-Askew, W. L., McDowell, M., & Fisher, R. (2011). Hunger and its impact on children: Where do we go from here? Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 6(4), 383–397.
- Full list available upon request