Associate Director for Communications

Previous experience

Before joining OS, Alanna worked in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) in CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases as the lead for the Immunization Safety Office (ISO) Communications Team. In this role, she led planning, implementation, and evaluation for ISO communication initiatives. She liaised with ISO program leads, DHQP partnership and policy colleagues, and contacts in other CDC centers and divisions to align strategic communication objectives with research priorities related to the evaluation and safety of vaccines used in the United States.

Before joining DHQP, Alanna served as the sole communications specialist in CDC’s Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO) where she was responsible for a wide range of activities related to the agency’s efforts to create and maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

As the social media lead for the Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development (DSEPD) in the Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS), Alanna conceptualized and led the development and launch of CDC’s Fellowships and Training Opportunities LinkedIn page. This page serves as a platform for the agency’s fellowships, internships, and professional development programs to build relationships with their specific target audiences.

Areas of expertise

Since coming to CDC in 2003, Alanna has contributed to a variety of projects and activities leading to the creation of several communication products. Her focus is to showcase the value of CDC programs to various audiences using various methods and platforms.

Alanna has participated in CDC activations for the Ebola, Lung Injury with Use of E-Cigarette/Vaping, COVID-19, and Mpox responses.

Education

Alanna received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Fort Valley State University and her master’s degree in applied communications from the University of Denver.