Kristy Anderson, MPP

Kristy Anderson, MPP, is the Director of Federal Government Relations at the American Heart Association (AHA) and a recognized expert and thought-leader in nutrition policy. In her current role as Director of Federal Government Relations at the AHA, she has oversight over all federal legislative activity across the organization’s advocacy priorities related to public health, prevention, research, access, and care delivery. Ms. Anderson has 24 years of experience in public health in both the non-profit sector and on Capitol Hill. In addition, Anderson serves on the Board of Directors for the Physical Activity Alliance, serves as a peer reviewer for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and provides education and technical assistance around the country for sodium reduction in school meals. She has extensive experience in coalition management and consensus-building.

Prior to working for the American Heart Association, Anderson was the Senior Federal Policy Analyst with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity, where she worked with federal policymakers and grantees across the country to identify and promote the most promising strategies to prevent childhood obesity. Anderson spent several years as the Senior Legislative Analyst at the RAND Corporation in the Office of Congressional Relations and began her health policy career in the office of United States Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), where she worked on health and disability issues, primarily focusing on constituent outreach and legislative duties.

Ms. Anderson received her Master of Public Policy with a concentration in Global Medical and Health Policy at the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government. She received a B.A. with a double major in Political Science and International Relations from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Additionally, Ms. Anderson is a member of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society, which recognizes international scholars.