About

I’m Alyssa Cotler, M.P.H., a senior communications strategist and advisor with more than 25 years of experience leading communications for large, complex organizations. I have deep expertise in biomedical research, public health, and science-driven environments.

Across roles, I’ve partnered closely with executive leaders and teams to clarify strategy, navigate change, and communicate clearly when the work is complex, the stakes are high, or the path forward isn’t obvious.

In addition to my professional experience, I bring lived experience as a long-term breast cancer survivor. That perspective shapes how I think about health, research, and public trust. I am also a mom, runner, avid concert-goer, baker, and traveler.

A Note on Collaboration

My results reflect collaboration with many talented communications professionals, researchers, advocates, and organizational partners. Depending on the engagement, I serve as a lead strategist, executive advisor, and always a collaborator. When needed, I can tap into my robust network to enhance the work we do.

If you’re navigating a complex communications challenge and are looking for a thoughtful, experienced partner, let’s connect.

A woman with shoulder-length dark curly hair smiling at the camera, wearing a dark top and a silver necklace against a plain light gray background.

A Snapshot of My Work

  • Strategic communications leadership for the largest and most diverse biomedical research cohort program of its kind

    As Chief Communications Officer, I led communications strategy and execution for the All of Us Research Program, a landmark precision medicine initiative designed to accelerate health research through broad, inclusive participation.

    Scale and Scope

    • Nearly 1 million participants consented to join the program

    • More than 20,000 registered researchers using the data

    • A national consortium of 100+ partner organizations

    • A communications division of 25 professionals and stewardship of $35M+ in communications-related resources

    Selected Focus Areas

    • Establishing and scaling the All of Us brand to support long-term participant engagement and trust

    • Executive and leadership communications, including public-facing “From the CEO” statements during periods of growth, scrutiny, and budget constraint

    • National media engagement supporting public understanding of biomedical research and participant participation

    • Consortium-wide communications alignment and oversight across diverse institutions and audiences

    • Communications related to sensitive scientific and programmatic issues, including high-profile genomics research publications

  • Communications leadership at the intersection of public information, evidence-based research, and taxpayer accountability

    As Director of Communications, I led communications strategy for NCCIH during a period of significant growth and scrutiny, with a core imperative to provide clear, practical, evidence-based information about health practices already in wide use and to explain why rigorous research in this area merited public investment.

    Communications Imperative

    • Help the public understand what is known—and not known—about complementary and integrative health practices

    • Provide accessible, trustworthy information to support informed health decisions

    • Articulate the value of investing taxpayer dollars in high-quality research to evaluate safety, effectiveness, and mechanisms of action

    Selected Focus Areas

    • Oversight of public education and health information dissemination

    • Media relations and public affairs supporting a science-driven reputation

    • Development and promotion of consumer-friendly, evidence-based health content

    • Executive and leadership communications aligned with NIH priorities

    • Communications support for strategic planning and research investment decisions

    Public Examples

  • Client-facing communications strategy and public affairs consulting

    At MMG, a health communications and public affairs firm, I led communications strategy for government and industry clients, including work with the National Cancer Institute and pharmaceutical companies.

    Selected Focus Areas

    • Strategic positioning and message development

    • Public affairs and media relations

    • Contract, budget, and personnel oversight

    • Client counseling on issues management and stakeholder communications

  • Writing and speaking on communications, health, and public trust

    In addition to organizational leadership roles, I’ve contributed to public dialogue on health, communications, and trust through writing and professional presentations.

    Selected Examples