Zorie Valchev
Washington
Summary
Strategic government affairs and sustainability leader with over a decade building impactful partnerships and advancing public policy, corporate reputation, and sustainability priorities in complex environments. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive stakeholder engagement, and shape business outcomes in the private and public sectors.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Constituent Services Intern & Lead Agent
United States Senate (Obama, Burris)
Washington, DC
02.2009 - 01.2011
- Engaged federal agencies, NGOs, and government officials on legislative, foreign affairs, and global development topics.
Director, US Sustainability and Government Affairs
AstraZeneca
Washington, DC
06.2024 - Current
- Lead strategy development and execution of organizational partnerships to advance AstraZeneca’s sustainability, health equity, and public affairs priorities, collaborating with federal/state agencies and key external partners.
- Serve as internal thought leader on sustainability and climate policies, integrating business objectives across commercial, access, sales, corporate affairs, and marketing teams.
- Provide expert analysis and action on legislation, regulations, and emerging political issues impacting AstraZeneca, shaping access and advocacy strategies.
- Develop and manage relationships with elected officials, trade groups, think tanks, NGOs, and other stakeholders to build influence and identify collaboration opportunities.
- Represent the company in shaping and communicating public policy, regulatory responses, and corporate reputation-enhancing initiatives.
- Lead resource management, contract negotiation, and consultant oversight for sustainability and social impact public affairs projects.
- Advance health equity by identifying and implementing legislative and regulatory opportunities supporting access and inclusion.
- Liaise with both internal and external partners to deliver results in a fast-paced, highly matrixed organizational structure.
- Contribute to the strategic alignment of brand and business objectives, advising senior leaders and cross-functional project teams.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and sustainability reporting.
Senior Manager, Government Affairs / US Public Affairs
Novartis
Washington, DC
04.2018 - 06.2024
- Designed and led public affairs initiatives at the intersection of health equity, ESG, and sustainability, representing Novartis with global organizations (UN Foundation, Global Fund, CDC).
- Developed innovative campaigns and partnerships, including the successful launch of the Take Health to Heart program and a Congressional briefing on sickle cell disease.
- Advised internal leaders on integrating policy priorities, commercial objectives, and advocacy messaging for maximum impact.
- Managed PAC and grassroots programs, growing influence and stakeholder engagement.
- Served as part of the World Economic Forum core team, shaping CEO’s sustainability and health strategies and global footprint.
Congressional and Political Affairs Specialist
American Society of Anesthesiologists
Washington, DC
07.2013 - 04.2018
- Managed legislative advocacy, fundraising, and external communications, including high-impact campaigns and publications.
- Developed and executed strategy to align organizational priorities with legislative targets.
Research and Program Assistant
Georgetown University, Office of the President
Washington, DC
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Advanced global health, sustainability, and diversity initiatives with measurable results through effective project management.
Constituent Services Agent
United States Senate
Chicago, IL
02.2009 - 01.2011
- Coordinated legislative research and analysis to support policy development and decision-making processes.
- Developed comprehensive reports on constituent concerns, enhancing communication with stakeholders.
- Facilitated outreach initiatives, increasing public engagement in legislative matters and community events.
- Engaged federal agencies, NGOs, and government officials on legislative, foreign affairs, and global development topics.
Education
Master of Arts - Conflict Resolution in Foreign Policy, International Security; Regional Specialization: Latin America
Georgetown University
Washington, DC01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations & Communication
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL01.2008
Bachelor's - Latin American Studies
Universidad Católica
Santiago, Chile12.2006
Skills
- Cross-functional leadership
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Program management
- Partnerships and alliances
- Government relations
- Corporate social responsibility
- Problem-solving
- Stakeholder engagement
- Risk management
- Business strategy
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Bulgarian
Professional Working
Timeline
Director, US Sustainability and Government Affairs
AstraZeneca
06.2024 - Current
Senior Manager, Government Affairs / US Public Affairs
Novartis
04.2018 - 06.2024
Congressional and Political Affairs Specialist
American Society of Anesthesiologists
07.2013 - 04.2018
Research and Program Assistant
Georgetown University, Office of the President
01.2011 - 01.2013
Constituent Services Intern & Lead Agent
United States Senate (Obama, Burris)
02.2009 - 01.2011
Constituent Services Agent
United States Senate
02.2009 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations & Communication
Lake Forest College
Master of Arts - Conflict Resolution in Foreign Policy, International Security; Regional Specialization: Latin America
Georgetown University
Bachelor's - Latin American Studies
Universidad Católica
VOLUNTEERING & LEADERSHIP
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), President, Board of Directors (highest role)
- Chaired board and directed organizational growth, program development, and health-related policy initiatives with public and private sector partners.
- Grew the organization’s membership and revenue by 30%.
- Built and sustained stakeholder coalitions and led high-visibility public events advancing ESG, DE&I, and community health.
Women for Women International, Volunteer Ambassador
Women in Government Relations, Health & Social Policy Taskforce
British American Business Association, Heath & Life Sciences Co-Chair
National Academy of Medicine, Climate & Health Initiative Co-Chair