Team

Berna is a communications expert, with a special focus on strategic positioning and media relations.  Berna works with industry, non-profit, trade and government agencies to define strategic objectives, craft a compelling story for key audiences and lead outreach to media and other influencers.

She oversees and provides counsel on strategic planning, message development, media training and crisis management. In her media relations work, she has led top-tier, local market and trade media pitching, and works closely with client spokespeople to triage resulting interview opportunities.

Over her career, she has specialized in communications initiatives for health sector clients including the National Pharmaceutical Council, Children’s Hospital Association, Intuitive Surgical, Melanoma Research Foundation, Lamaze International, American Red Cross, Pfizer, Kaiser Permanente, American Health Care Association, the Society for Women’s Health Research and multiple centers and institutes at the National Institutes of Health. She brings expertise in a broad range of health issues including cancer, cardiovascular health, women’s health, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, devices and diagnostics, health system services, reimbursement, health economic outcomes, and others.

Berna’s prior experience includes JPA Health Communications and Edelman’s Washington, D.C. where she led integrated, multichannel communications programs for clients. Before joining Edelman, Berna worked for the American Heart Association, supporting media relations for AHA’s annual scientific meeting and the organization’s advocacy priorities. Berna began her career at the agency of Capitoline/Manning, Selvage & Lee, where her clients included the Turkish Government and United Way of America.

Berna graduated from the College of William and Mary with a bachelor’s degree in international relations.