New York, United States 
LinkedIn Francesca Heintz leads communications for the Population Council, developing strategies to elevate the organization’s research, thought leadership, and impact. She partners with Council leadership and researchers to strengthen engagement with key audiences, enhance organizational visibility, and communicate how the Council applies rigorous science in service of improving people’s health, wellbeing, and opportunity.
With 20 years of experience in communications, advocacy, public affairs, and journalism, Heintz has worked with leading public health organizations, philanthropies, and multilateral agencies to advance issues including sexual and reproductive health, women’s health, and gender equality. Prior to joining the Population Council, she was Vice President at Global Health Strategies, where she advised clients on strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and global advocacy initiatives.
Heintz holds a Master of Public Health from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. She began her career as a journalist and continues to bring a storyteller’s perspective to communicating research and evidence for impact.