Stacie Rivera
Dr. Stacie M. Rivera is a seasoned health communications strategist and educator with more than 25 years of experience advancing national health care initiatives across the public sector. She holds a PhD in public policy and administration with a health policy focus and an MPH in health care communication and education, grounding her teaching in both rigorous research and real-world application.
Dr. Rivera currently serves as a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Digital Health Office, where she leads integrated communications, health marketing, and strategic outreach efforts that impact 1,700 points of care nationwide. Her work includes directing high-visibility campaigns for innovations such as the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects, private-public access projects, VA’s Personal Health Record, My HealtheVet, and enterprise digital health tools that enhance veteran engagement and improve access to care. Her leadership has contributed to national recognition for VA programs, including PRSA Silver Anvil Awards and federal innovation distinctions.
As an experienced qualitative researcher and published scholar, Dr. Rivera has led multi-year studies, authored federal reports, and produced health policy communications that translate complex issues into clear, actionable narratives. She has experience in instructional design, online learning, media ethics, health promotion, and strategic communication.
At the College of Creative Arts and Media, Dr. Rivera teaches online, graduate-level courses in integrated health care marketing and promotion, bringing students a practitioner’s lens shaped by decades of national-level program leadership, evidence-based strategy, and a commitment to advancing equitable, patient-centered communication.
Dr. Rivera is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America for more than 25 years. Her professional work is grounded in ethics, research, and a commitment to preparing the next generation of health communicators.
LinkedIn: Stacie Rivera