Tricia Kenney

Tricia Kenney is an award-winning and creatively driven communications leader, who brings a proven track record of strategic media and public relations expertise to her role as chief communications and public affairs officer for Truth Initiative. As chief communications officer, Kenney develops and executes a comprehensive communications and public affairs strategy in support of the organization’s goals, objectives, and mission.

Before joining the organization full-time in 2016, Kenney served as a consultant to Truth Initiative, coordinating the earned media strategy to re-launch the iconic truth® tobacco prevention campaign in 2014. Kenney’s prior role was as chief communications officer for Publicis Kaplan Thaler, New York’s fifth largest advertising agency. As a member of the original leadership team at the Kaplan Thaler Group, she played a key role in transforming the start-up into a billion-dollar agency, serving high-profile clients including Aflac, Citibank, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, and Wendy's.

Communications programs designed by Kenney have earned numerous awards for excellence and effectiveness, including Cannes PR Lions, Clios, Effies, SABRES, Silver Anvils, and Webbys. She has also received the 2023 Outstanding In-House Professional award from PRWeek and been included in its Health Influencer 30, an annual list of the most influential executives working in health PR and communication. 

Kenney is a past board member of New York Women in Communications. She is also deeply dedicated to her community and supports various local foundations and committees in the areas of education, food security and health equity.