Dr. Heather Howard

Biography

Heather Howard is a Professor of Practice at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, co-directing the Global Health Program. She is a faculty affiliate at the Center for Health & Wellbeing, teaching courses on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, state and local health policy, public health politics, social determinants of health, and global health policy. As the Director of the State Health Value Strategies program, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Howard focuses on assisting states in transforming health care systems to be more affordable, equitable, and innovative. Her research and writing cover a variety of health policy topics. She serves as the co-editor of the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law’s Special Section on Tracking Health Reform and hosts the Princeton Pulse Podcast, which highlights the critical connections between health research and policy. Howard's experience includes serving as New Jersey’s Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, overseeing a $3.5 billion budget and 1,700 staff, managing public health services, and regulating health care institutions. Additionally, she was involved in various health committees under Governor Phil Murphy. With significant federal experience, she has worked for Senator Jon Corzine, the White House Domestic Policy Council, and in the U.S. Department of Justice. Howard holds a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from NYU School of Law. She resides in Princeton, NJ, with her husband and son.

Research Interests