Tara Rabin on Public Service, FDA Communications and Building a New Chapter

By Elisa OHalloran

Tell us about yourself and your current position.

I’ve spent my career in communications focused on health, science, and public policy. I studied public relations and political science and began my career at JPA Health Communications, working with healthcare organizations and public affairs clients.

In 2012, I joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a press officer and public affairs specialist, supporting communications on major public health issues. After more than a decade at the FDA, I launched Tagline Strategies, a communications consulting firm focused on health, wellness, life sciences, and food industries.

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work in public communications. I’ve always loved writing and research and I’ve been fortunate to build a career around both.

What drew you to public service and what experience at the FDA had the biggest impact on you professionally?

I’ve always been motivated by communications work that can have a real impact on people’s lives. Public service gave me the opportunity to help people better understand issues that affect their health and the decisions they make.

Some of my most meaningful experiences were also the moments when communications had a direct impact. I worked on major public health issues, including emerging infectious disease responses, the romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak, and the infant formula crisis. Those experiences reinforced how important clear, accurate, and timely communication is when people are looking for answers during moments of uncertainty.

How did you transition from the FDA to starting your own consulting business?

After 12 years at the FDA, my office was eliminated during a reduction in force. It wasn’t a transition I had planned, but my professional network played a major role in what came next. The relationships I had built over the years opened doors and ultimately helped give me the confidence to launch Tagline Strategies.

Today, we help organizations navigate complex public health, policy, and regulatory communications challenges.

What services does Tagline Strategies provide ?

Tagline Strategies works with organizations operating in highly regulated and closely watched industries, particularly health, life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food.

We provide communications and advocacy strategy, media relations, reputation and issues management, crisis response, message development and positioning, thought leadership, policy and legislative communications strategy, and FDA and U.S. government engagement.

What sets us apart is our experience working inside government and communicating some of its most complex and closely watched decisions. We understand the science and regulatory environment behind an issue as well as the communications surrounding it. Marrying those three things gives us a very unique vantage point.

What advice would you give professionals facing career transitions?

Stay connected and invest in relationships before you need them. When I unexpectedly found myself making a career transition, the network I had built over many years became incredibly important. Who you know and how you connect can lead to critical opportunities.

I’d also encourage people to keep developing their expertise. Know what you do especially well, stay current in your field, and build a specialty that sets you apart.

What’s next for you and your business?

I want to keep growing Tagline Strategies and work with people who share our commitment to public health. I’m also excited to bring more talented communicators into the work as we grow.

On a personal note, I’m grateful to be building something that lets me continue doing work I care about while having flexibility for my family. It’s a new chapter and I’m excited to see where it goes!