Health Care Strategist Michael O’Brien Joins APCO as Senior Director in Washington, D.C. 

WASHINGTON – July 16, 2025: Michael O’Brien, nationally recognized communications strategist with nearly 30 years of experience advising health care companies, joined APCO as a senior director, Mathew Shearman, global chair of APCO’s Health practice, announced today. 

“Michael’s arrival comes at a time when health care companies are facing seismic industry shifts—from shifting consumer expectations on rising costs to the huge uncertainty that policy developments are creating in the market,” Shearman said. “His deep understanding of the business dynamics shaping health care today greatly strengthens APCO’s ability to help clients anticipate what’s next and navigate complexity with confidence. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our global health team.” 

Prior to joining APCO, O’Brien was a partner and the head of U.S. Healthcare Public Relations at ICR Healthcare. In this role, he advised private and publicly traded health care companies on narrative development, reputation strategy and corporate, science and financial communications. He has previously served as vice president of Corporate Communications for the University of Maryland Medical System and global head of Corporate Communications and on the executive leadership team at MedImmune, formerly the global biologics R&D arm of AstraZeneca. He also headed the Washington, D.C., office of JPA Health, directing award-winning campaigns for Fortune 500 biopharma companies, national advocacy organizations and professional medical societies.  

“Joining APCO means partnering with a team that understands the urgency and nuance of today’s health and business challenges,” O’Brien said. “From evolving care models to the intersection of innovation and regulation, I look forward to helping clients stay ahead of change and unlock opportunities that improve outcomes for patients, stakeholders and the bottom line.” 

O’Brien joins APCO’s global team of industry experts and market-leading advisors, including: 

• Alexandre Marie Saint Germain, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, EU 

• Allison Parker-Lagoo, Public Affairs and Policy, North America  

• Anne Wang, Corporate Advisory, Advocacy and Communications Strategy, China 

• Iris Shaffer, Corporate Communications and Media Relations, North America 

• Jumana Nabulsi, Public Affairs and Public Health, MENA 

• Sanya Pavri, Corporate Public Relations, MENA 

• Vusi Moyo, Corporate Communications, North America