Julie Vallese, NHTSA’s Associate Administrator for Communications and Consumer Information, manages the office responsible for providing accurate and timely vehicle and traffic safety information to consumers, media, and partner organizations. Her team works closely with NHTSA program offices to conduct market research, develop external communication strategies, implement advertising campaigns, and develop communication material in support of vehicle and traffic safety.
Prior to joining NHTSA, Vallese worked in the private and public sectors, and led internal and external strategic communication and advocacy programs. She served as the director of public affairs for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, where she was the agency’s spokesperson and worked to raise consumer and congressional awareness and advance safety as it relates to consumer products. After her time in government service, Vallese held the position of managing director for private firms, companies, and trade associations, as well as being an independent consultant. During this time, she was an official spokesperson and developed, implemented, and executed strategic planning for consumer-facing communication campaigns, crisis communication management, and federal advocacy initiatives. Vallese began her career as a journalist at CNN’s Washington, DC, bureau, where she led futures editorial planning for the bureau and later became the network’s consumer and regulatory affairs correspondent.
Vallese received a bachelor’s degree in communications from the George Washington University.