In response to doubling its client roster over 12 months, CURA Strategies, an integrated communications and public affairs agency exclusively focused on health and wellness, announces the addition of two new senior vice presidents to the company’s leadership team—Kelly R. Cushman and Jen Kelley Young. With each bringing more than 20 years of integrated strategic communications and public affairs experience, Jen and Kelly will help expand CURA’s portfolio and drive growth for the company.
“We had an amazing year in 2021, fueled by outstanding client partnerships. With Jen and Kelly’s impressive experience, their history of delivering impactful results and the shared understanding we have for creating a culture where our team can win at work and succeed at life, I know that our goal of being the go-to communications and public affairs partner for health care changemakers is within reach,” said Anne Woodbury, founder of CURA Strategies.
Kelly R. Cushman is a seasoned professional with a blended background of corporate, political and government agency experience. She has served as a trusted thought partner and strategic advisor to elected officials, major corporations and trade associations across the globe. Early in her career, Kelly served as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. Senate and worked for two Cabinet Members and in the Executive Office of the President.
Kelly has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of complex policy issues and the legislative and regulatory processes including the FDA rulemaking process. Most recently, Kelly led corporate affairs for a global publicly traded company and prior to that served as Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances for PhRMA, where she helped develop, lead and execute on PhRMA’s international, national and state policy priorities by, among other activities, engaging and building robust and diverse third-party relationships and allies.
Jen Kelley Young is a dynamic and collaborative leader with demonstrated success counseling clients, navigating complex issues and facilitating communications within organizations while consistently delivering results. Jen brings deep and diverse expertise across the biopharmaceutical, health technology, hospital and health system and payer spaces. Prior to joining CURA, she held a variety of roles in APCO Worldwide’s Washington, D.C., office where she served as a member of the leadership team, including the management of the Washington, D.C., health care practice and oversight of one of the agency’s most important and longstanding global clients.
Jen also spent more than a decade in Edelman’s Washington, D.C., office and most recently served as Executive Vice President, Director of Operations. Before being promoted to provide operational oversight at Edelman, Jen served as a Group Director focused on corporate and health clients. A health care communications agency and public affairs veteran, Jen also worked for FleishmanHillard, Hill+Knowlton and PhRMA.
Previous notable hires in 2021 include Michael Lisowski, former Congressional Affairs Manager for the American Academy of Neurology and congressional legislative aide; Sydney Shepherd, former Advocacy and Policy Specialist for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; and Falen Petros, MS, former Member Success Specialist for Child Care Aware of America.
CURA Strategies
CURA Strategies is an award-winning bipartisan, integrated strategic communications and public affairs agency focused on one thing: transforming health care. CURA—Latin for care, concern and attention to others—exemplifies the company’s mission to take exceptional care of its clients, so every client can transform the health care system in the U.S. and improve lives. CURA is a certified Women-Owned Small Business. Visit our website and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more.