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Heather Simonsen, MA, is a passionate storyteller. As senior manager of public affairs at Huntsman Cancer Institute, she combines cutting-edge scientific research and heart-felt patient stories and crafts them into impactful stories for national and international media outlets. Storytelling is at the heart of Heather’s work.

The public relations leader, who is originally from San Antonio, could often be seen at her parents’ dining room table growing up, turning stacks of scratch paper into colorful stories complete with lovable characters, conflict, and drama. That interest blossomed into a successful career in news where she earned six Rocky Mountain Emmys and many awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. 

Now, Heather interviews, pitches, writes, develops, and leads a team of storytellers and PR professionals at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Her successful media campaigns include deep science discoveries about the gut microbiome and colon cancer, triplets with a devastating legacy of cancer who won NCAA All-America honors, and how education and outreach about the HPV vaccine is being embraced by Utah parents.

“Patients are the heart of our work,” Heather says. “Physician scientists bring the facts, but patients make it relatable, memorable, and impactful.”

Heather also teaches physicians and researchers how to complete successful interviews on every media platform.

“Often, interviewees don’t realize how much they can guide messaging,” she says. “With preparation, practice, and know-how, you can ace any media interview.”

Her creative work extends to her home kitchen, where her husband and three children enjoy her original, made-from-scratch, gourmet pizzas.