Peter F. Garrett

Peter F. Garrett is director of NCI's Center for External Affairs, where he oversees the work of the Office of Advocacy Relations, the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, and the Office of Government and Congressional Relations. In this key role, Peter directs strategic engagement with diverse audiences, cultivating relationships, building awareness and understanding of NCI’s work and resources, and showcasing the promise and benefits of cancer research. These activities are central to the National Cancer Plan. He also advises senior NCI leaders on the development, execution, and evaluation of all aspects of NCI’s advocacy, communications, and legislation programs.

Peter also serves as the acting director of the Office of Communications and Public Liaison. In that role, he guides the institute's activities in digital communications and social media, science writing for professional and lay audiences, clearance, stakeholder outreach, media relations, and internal communications, as well as the NCI Cancer Information Service.

Prior to joining NCI, Peter was the director of the Office of Communications and Public Affairs in the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (HHS ONC)—which, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was responsible for transitioning physicians and hospitals to electronic health record keeping. At HHS ONC, he was responsible for overseeing all communications and public affairs related to this program.

Earlier in his career, Peter served as press chief for the Medicare and Medicaid programs. He also represented a large variety of public and private sector clients—including NCI—on diverse health care external affairs and policy projects. With more than 35 years of experience in public service and consulting, Peter has focused his career on helping organizations and individuals engage and communicate effectively.

Peter has received many awards for leadership, including NCI and NIH Director's Awards for communications leadership supporting the Cancer Moonshot. He graduated from Bowdoin College with an A.B. in European History and Western Philosophy.