APCO Bolsters its Health Care, Pharmaceutical and Biotech Expertise

Washington (May 16, 2017) – Jen Young, a health care, pharmaceutical and biotech expert with more than 20 years of industry and integrated communications experience, has joined APCO Worldwide. Based in Washington, Young will serve as a senior director in the firm’s global health care practice and provide strategic counsel for health care, pharmaceutical and consumer health clients.

“In today’s complicated global environment, health care companies, providers, agencies and advocacy groups are seeking ways to navigate the new normal,” Ross said. “It’s so important for these organizations to have a partner that deeply understands the political and communication challenges the industry faces. Jen has a proven track record of advising clients and delivering impactful results, her experience will be a valuable asset, and we’re delighted to welcome Jen to APCO and our Washington, D.C. team.”

Young most recently served as an executive vice president and director of operations for Edelman, which she joined in 2006. During her time with Edelman, she served as the health group director in Washington and was a member of the global steering committee for its Global Women’s Empowerment Network (GWEN).

“Jen has been managing industry campaigns for over 20 years, and her addition is an exciting one for our team,” added Courtney Piron, head of APCO Worldwide’s global health care practice. “Her industry knowledge and experience further strengthen APCO’s health expertise and increases our ability to provide meaningful counsel to our clients in this turbulent environment.”

A health care communications industry veteran, Young worked for FleishmanHillard and Hill+Knowlton before joining Edelman. Earlier in her career, she was a policy and state government affairs manager for PhRMA, the biopharmaceutical trade association, and a research associate for the Advisory Board Company, a health care think tank.

“APCO is uniquely positioned to help clients adapt and thrive in this increasing complex global environment,” Young said. “I’m very excited to join the dynamic health care team in Washington, and I look forward to adding to the firm’s collective expertise and expanding our client base.”

Young is a graduate of St. Mary’s College. She currently serves as membership co-chair for the Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet, is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Washington and supports Charter Board Partners, an organization committed to building strong boards for D.C.’s public charter schools.

Young joins a distinguished group of experts in APCO’s health care practice including:

• Courtney Piron, global health care practice lead, and a former director in the economic & policy research group of Pfizer.
• Wayne Pines, health care president, and a former senior communication executive for the FDA.
• Elizabeth Funderburk, senior director, former senior director of communications and public affairs at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.
• William Pierce, senior director, and the former deputy secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services.