Heidi Rebello is the Acting Associate Commissioner for External Affairs (OEA) within the Office of the Commissioner at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this role, she oversees agency-wide communications activities regarding the FDA’s public health and regulatory activities. This includes the development, coordination and leadership of all FDA communications as well as outreach efforts to the news media, health professionals, patient advocates, consumer groups and the general public. OEA also serves as the focal point for speechwriting, creative and editorial services, and best practices for digital and web technology and social media.

Heidi has more than 30 years of experience in government public affairs, media relations, strategic communications and message development, including the last 16 years at the FDA. Prior to joining the FDA, she served as the Chief Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service in Washington, D.C. Earlier in her career, she held positions in media affairs, community relations and state relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Boston and Chicago regions.  

Heidi earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Northeastern University in Boston. She is a member of the Senior Executive Service. 

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