After joining NMSI as communications director in 2014 and leading and implementing a comprehensive communication program, she joined the senior leadership team, serving as chief of staff and then vice president of external affairs, responsible for overseeing the organization’s communications and branding work, as well as public policy strategy and strategic partnerships to further advance NMSI’s mission. Tara previously served as an editor for the journal Science for nine years; as a communications manager for a neuroscience research center at The University of Texas at Dallas; and as a writer and development manager for the STEEEP Global Institute at Baylor Scott & White Health, where she helped research and write a book about the system’s history of health care quality improvement. Tara holds a BA in biology with a concentration in cell and molecular biology and biochemistry from Colby College and a master’s degree in marine and environmental science from the University of Maryland.