Allison Friedman
Mission-Driven Communication Leader
STRATEGIC STORYTELLER FOR SCIENCE, EQUITY & INNOVATION
I’ve led national and global efforts to tackle complex health and social challenges—from pandemic response and mental health to vaccine confidence and chronic disease prevention.
I specialize in translating science into strategy, building trust across audiences, and driving campaigns that deliver measurable impact.
I thrive at the intersection of public health, creativity, and systems change-connecting the dots between data, people, and policy to advance equity and inspire action.
My Portfolio
Strategic Communication Planning
Integrated communication strategies that connect your audience to the right message, at the right time, in the right place.
Campaign Leadership & Audience-Centered Strategy
Meeting audiences where they are—with messages that matter and move them.
Crisis, Risk & Emergency Communication
Trusted communication in moments of uncertainty and urgency.
Internal Communications & Organizational Alignment
Strengthening teams through transparency, connection, and shared purpose.
Partner & Media Engagement
Shaping narratives & coalitions that spark dialogue, build trust, and drive impact.
Global & Cross-Cultural Communication
Global communication strategies that resonate—and reach.
Clients Testimonials
Craig W Thomas, PhD, MS
“Allison is an exceptional public health professional and communication expert who transformed how we communicate and promote our programs for maximum reach and impact. She turned complex topics into clear, concise and easily understood messages with ease. Her outstanding leadership, project management, and expertise had a positive and lasting impact on the work of our division. Allison’s professionalism, passion, and commitment to high quality work are qualities that make her an asset to any organization”.
Michele Walsh
“Allison is an amazing storyteller and communicator. With a communication science background, she understands both the craft and evaluation of communication, producing powerful results.”
Rita Noonan
Allison did a wonderful job with our program comms/policy planning process. I had been skeptical about the program’s readiness and what would come out of these sessions, but she performed like a magician! She turned a broad array of topics and interests into a coherent direction and somehow everyone got on board. She was so patient about the whole thing, which I very much admire, especially since she got the job done quickly.
Johanzynn Gatewood
Allison was one of my very first supervisors at CDC, and I still remember how thoughtful, supportive, and inspiring she was to work with. She truly set the bar for what it means to be a great health communicator, and her leadership continues to influence me to this day!
Jennifer LeClercq
Allison Friedman is an extraordinary communicator and visionary leader. She joined the Division of Population Health a few years ago in the communications lead position and really transformed our communications efforts. She worked collaboratively with all the programs to develop and execute strategic communications plans; apply communications research to develop impactful, concise messages; and manage a team of internal and external contract communications staff to amplify our work. I want to share my strong endorsement for her skill set and work.
Cate Shockey
Allison is a real team-player; she is smart, tenacious, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and wonderful to work with. She takes on new challenges and subject matter areas quickly and digs in. I appreciate that she knows the nuances and can offer alternatives based on data, knowledge, and experience. If she doesn’t know, she will find out. She’s always helpful, willing to jump in and tackle whatever arises (emergency or not) and work through the challenges to get to a result. She’s a great manager and fantastic, forward-thinking leader.