Nancy brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of healthcare and food/nutrition communications, public policy and issues management to MS&L’s clients. A cancer survivor herself, Nancy  specializes in patient education and advocacy initiatives in such areas as disease prevention and health promotion, community health, disease management, women’s health, and elder care. Nancy is also responsible for developing strategic alliances with health, medical, consumer and patient groups to assist the firm’s clients in conducting education and advocacy campaigns and in building coalitions to advance healthcare issues. Joining MS&L in May 2009, Nancy served for eight years as Executive Vice President within Ruder Finn Washington's healthcare practice, and as the Director of Health and Nutrition Affairs for the firm.  Her areas of specialty in the healthcare and food/nutrition arena include biotechnology, disease prevention and health promotion, cancer policy, obesity management, women's health, elder care, community health, food safety and nutrition education. Prior to joining Ruder Finn in 2001, Nancy served in a variety of positions at Hill and Knowlton, Inc. She was a press officer at the Food and Drug Administration where she handled food, cosmetics, drugs and consumer issues and agency announcements about product recalls and she served for four years in the Office of Consumer Affairs as the speechwriter and deputy press director for Virginia Knauer, special assistant to the President for Consumer Affairs. As a former press officer, Nancy maintains ongoing contact with the Washington press corps. She also maintains ongoing relations with national consumer and senior citizens groups, developing partnerships on health-related issues.  Nancy is also active in several professional societies and health organizations.