This page was last edited on February 3, 2026

Katherine Ellen Foley

Senior Director, Communications
Katherine (she/they) is the Senior Director, Communications at the organization. In this role, she oversees communications about the organization’s mission and work, with an emphasis on its support and understanding of the latest scientific evidence on smoking cessation and the continuum of risk. Katherine works closely with the programs and development teams to ensure that messaging regarding Global Action’s work is comprehensive, consistent, and appropriate for multiple audiences.
Photo portrait of Global Action to End Smoking team member Katherine Foley

Biography

Previously, Katherine served as the Director, Media Relations at Global Action. Prior to joining the organization, Katherine worked as a reporter for POLITICO where she covered the Food and Drug Administration. In that role, she covered U.S. tobacco regulation, new drug approvals, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Katherine produced breaking news stories, news analyses, and co-wrote a twice-weekly newsletter. She also regularly hosted the health team’s podcast.

Before POLITICO, Katherine spent six years at Quartz, where she spearheaded the publication’s health coverage as a reporter on the science team.

Katherine holds an M.A. from New York University’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program and B.S. from Georgetown University, where she studied science, technology and international affairs. She is based in Washington, D.C. and in her spare time enjoys long-distance running.