Adam Ghering
Translating policy and science into impact – public health strategist, communicator and storyteller.
About Me
Strategic communications professional with 10+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs and policy communications. Background in public health inspection increases ability to translate complex scientific and policy issues into compelling, accessible content. Trusted advisor to senior leadership during crisis communications, including developing the FDA’s most viewed webpage during COVID-19 pandemic (16 million views in 2020).
My work has shaped agency narratives, built internal communications strategy and led national messaging on food safety, drug policy and health behavior change.
Enhancing communication through data
My vast experience developing messaging based on data from message testing, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and plain language principles results in providing the right message to the right audience at the right time.
Case study: My efforts in developing the messaging and outreach strategy resulted in FDA’s website warning the public of contaminated hand sanitizers became FDA’s most viewed website during the COVID-19 pandemic (16 million views in 2020).
My top skills
Learn more about my CliftonStrengths to identify and understand how I can improve your organization.
Analytical
I ask “why” to understand reasons and causes and then implement that data into impactful messages and calls to action.
Work Experience
Guided leadership communications and public storytelling for drug approvals, manufacturing policy, and COVID-19 messaging.
Produced FDA’s most viewed web page of 2020 (16M+ views).
Preempted misinformation with persuasive, plain-language content across high-profile health topics.
Managed trade press responses, increasing reach and internal engagement by 10%.
Spokesperson in 200+ national interviews on food safety recommendations.
Led national recall communications and modernized mobile outreach exhibits by increasing yearly public interactions by 10% for three consecutive years.
Developed audience-tested strategies based on behavior-change science.
Detail as Public Health Specialist investigating consumer complaints
Enforced food safety laws leading to product recalls.
Strengthened small business compliance through education and inspections.
My Portfolio
A collection of professional and personal work
- The FDA fired me and broke Erie's golden rule: They gave up the ship | Opinion
- FDA works to protect consumers from potentially harmful OTC skin lightening products
- FDA approves imaging drug to help identify lung lesions during surgery
- Adam Ghering with the USDA – Mother’s Day Food Safety Tips
- 4th of July burgers served up with an infusion of bacteria?
- In Depth: USDA tips to avoid summer foodborne illnesses
What My Colleagues Say
Adam is a first-rate communicator who I trust to handle any number of high profile and impactful communications issues. His expert grasp of strategic communication principles, well-honed instincts, and impressive record of results make him an ideal choice for any organization seeking to achieve its communications goals.
Adam is an incredible communicator with great insights and an extraordinary ability to stay calm under pressure. He’s widely respected among his peers and leaders for his expert understanding of the communications nuances around regulatory compliance, pharmaceutical quality, new drug approvals and media relations. He’s truly one of the best communications professionals around and will add immeasurable value to any organization.
Let's work together
Whether you’re building a public health campaign, need help framing policy for the media, or want to improve your organizations communication efforts — I’d love to hear from you.
📧 aghering88@gmail.com