Peter F. Garrett is a highly accomplished leader currently serving as the Director of the Center for External Affairs (CEA) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In this pivotal role, Peter Garrett is responsible for strategically directing NCI’s engagement with a wide array of audiences. His work involves nurturing key relationships, increasing public awareness, and fostering a deeper understanding of the NCI’s crucial work and extensive resources dedicated to cancer research. Peter Garrett’s efforts are instrumental in highlighting the significant potential and tangible benefits derived from advancements in cancer research, all of which strongly support the goals of the National Cancer Plan. Furthermore, Peter Garrett acts as a senior advisor to NCI leadership, providing expert counsel on the creation, implementation, and assessment of NCI’s advocacy, communications, and legislative strategies.
Within the Center for External Affairs, Peter Garrett oversees three key offices: the Office of Advocacy Relations, the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, and the Office of Government and Congressional Relations. This broad oversight allows Peter Garrett to ensure a cohesive and impactful approach to NCI’s external interactions and public messaging.
Prior to his appointment at CEA, Peter Garrett dedicated a decade as the Director of the NCI Office of Communications and Public Liaison. During this time, he spearheaded the NCI’s significant initiatives in digital communications, including social media strategies, and managed the creation of science communications for both expert and general audiences. His responsibilities also encompassed managing clearance processes, stakeholder engagement, media relations, internal communications, and the NCI Cancer Information Service.
Before joining NCI, Peter Garrett held the position of Director of the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (HHS ONC). In this role, he was at the forefront of communications for the national initiative, in collaboration with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to transition healthcare providers to electronic health records. Peter Garrett was responsible for all communication and public affairs aspects of this critical nationwide program.
Earlier in his career, Peter Garrett served as press chief for the Medicare and Medicaid programs, gaining valuable experience in government health programs. His extensive career also includes representing a diverse portfolio of clients from both the public and private sectors, including NCI, on a variety of health care external affairs and policy projects. With over 35 years of experience in public service and consulting, Peter Garrett has consistently focused on enabling organizations and individuals to communicate and engage effectively.
Peter Garrett’s leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including NCI and NIH Director’s Awards for communications leadership in support of the Cancer Moonshot initiative. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College in European History and Western Philosophy, providing a strong foundation for his strategic and communication expertise.
