Robin Rinker Cook
Atlanta
Summary
Strategic communications leader with 15+ years of national-level experience driving public affairs, media relations, and advocacy initiatives. Proven success in high-stakes environments managing crisis communications, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Expert storyteller, skilled at translating complex policy and social science issues into compelling narratives that drive action across diverse audiences. Adept at securing media coverage, amplifying executive thought leadership, and leading cross-functional teams to elevate mission-driven work.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief, Communication Branch
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Atlanta
01.2021 - Current
- Direct strategic communication and operational initiatives, managing a team of 25 staff members and contractors.
- Manage a $13.5M budget, directing large-scale health communication and education initiatives, including the Emmy-winning Rx Awareness campaign, and the award-winning Stop Overdose campaigns.
- Partner with scientists, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations to implement national-scale communication initiatives to drive behavior change.
- Drive innovative marketing and physician engagement strategies to improve healthcare service delivery; co-producer of 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain.
- Serving as an expert advisor regarding the translation of complex social and behavioral science data to the public and various constituencies.
Lead Health Communications Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Atlanta
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led crisis communication and public affairs for CDC’s COVID-19 response, coordinating with healthcare leaders and policymakers.
- Managed $7M+ contracts for vaccine and travel-related communication campaigns, ensuring effective messaging to providers and the public.
- Established intergovernmental working groups for digital media planning and strategic stakeholder engagement.
Health Communications Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Atlanta
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Directed stakeholder engagement and communication strategies for the Million Hearts initiative, collaborating with healthcare providers and policymakers to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
- Developed multimedia campaigns to promote preventative healthcare, leading to increased patient awareness and engagement.
- Supervised cross-functional teams and managed multimillion-dollar public-private partnerships.
Advocacy Relations Manager
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Strengthened relationships between NCI, healthcare organizations, and policymakers to support funding and policy initiatives.
- Managed communication strategies for advocacy engagement, crisis communication, and legislative affairs.
Education
Master of Public Health - Behavioral Science and Health Education
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
Atlanta, GABachelor of Arts - Global Studies (Public Health Focus)
Randolph College
Lynchburg, VASkills
- Strategic communication and media relations
- Crisis communication and storytelling
- Public engagement and advocacy
- Digital content and social media
- Executive visibility and thought leadership
- Stakeholder engagement and grassroots outreach
- Team leadership and project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Budget management
- Advocacy engagement
Certifications And Awards
- Emmy Award for Rx Awareness Campaign
- Special Act Award for Leadership, CDC
- Director's Award for Health Equity, 01/23, CDC
- Director's Award for Contributions to Public Health, COVID-19 Response, 01/21, CDC
Leadership Experience
- Board Member, Girls on the Run Atlanta, 01/18 - 12/20
- Junior League of Atlanta Leadership Committee, 01/17 - 12/19
Accomplishments
· Emmy Award for Rx Awareness Campaign
· Special Act Award for Leadership, CDC
· Director's Award for Health Equity, 2023, CDC
· Director's Award for Contributions to Public Health, COVID-19 Response, CDC, 2021
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chief, Communication Branch
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
01.2021 - Current
Lead Health Communications Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
01.2019 - 01.2021
Health Communications Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
01.2015 - 01.2019
Advocacy Relations Manager
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
01.2014 - 01.2015
Master of Public Health - Behavioral Science and Health Education
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies (Public Health Focus)
Randolph College
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