Allison Shelley

About

I’m a bilingual communications and advocacy executive with 20+ years of experience advancing mission-driven strategies across healthcare, science, and public policy. Currently serving as Interim Senior Director at Medscape Cardiology and TheHeart.org by WebMD, I oversee strategy, editorial direction, and stakeholder engagement to raise visibility and create lasting impact. My career spans journalism, executive communications, and nonprofit leadership. I’ve led diverse global teams covering more than 200 medical conferences annually across 30 specialities, developed national reporting guidelines for medical journalism, and shaped campaigns that bridge clinical evidence, public policy, and community understanding. Whether engaging professionals, physicians, policymakers, partners or families, I bring deep commitment to equity, clarity, and compassion in communication. My strength lies in translating complex issues into accessible messaging that builds trust, shifts behaviour and advances health outcomes. Born in Calgary, raised in Montreal and based in Ottawa, I work fluently in English and French and bring a national perspective to every role. I’m passionate about using strategic communications and advocacy to help organizations create meaningful, long-term impact—especially where health, equity, and systemic change intersect.