Adam Coyne, director of public affairs, joined the Foundation in 2004, having been drawn to what he describes as the “passion, intellectual curiosity, and true commitment to the mission of RWJF staff and grantees.” Coyne brings to the Foundation extensive experience in strategic communications programs and marketing, organizational messaging and branding, media relations, and policy-maker and opinion leader outreach.

As director of public affairs at RWJF, Coyne is responsible for highlighting the Foundation’s goals, programs, research and other activities with the media and other external audiences; managing executive communications; and directing the Foundation’s branding and messaging efforts. He views his work as an exceptional opportunity to work across all program areas, helping to promote better health and health care through communications campaigns, strategies and tactics.

Previously, Coyne worked in senior communications positions with such nonprofit organizations as the City of Hope National Medical Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. His experience at the Glaser Foundation, which included field work in Africa, gave him an opportunity to witness firsthand what he calls the “power of hope and possibility” that one individual, and a committed health care foundation, can provide in the struggle to improve health and health care worldwide. Coyne also worked with such distinguished public relations firms such as The Rogers Group and Carl Byoir & Associates on a wide range of consumer accounts and social marketing campaigns, and has taught a course in nonprofit public relations at UCLA.

Coyne, who is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America, has received many professional honors and awards including the “Most Valuable Professional” award by the Public Communicators of Los Angeles (PCLA), and the “Best PR Program of the Year” by the Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter.

A New Jersey resident, he received a B.A. from Tulane University, and a professional designation in public relations from UCLA.  He enjoys oil painting, photography, and gardening. He and his wife, Alison, an M.S.W. who has worked in foster family care, live in Voorhees, N.J. with their two daughters.

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