Makini Nyanteh

Makini Nyanteh joined AIR in February 2017 as the vice president of Communications & Public Affairs. In this role, she is accountable for the design and implementation of the communications strategy that elevates AIR’s reputation, research, and capabilities. She is the chief architect of the AIR brand and content strategy and leads the team driving public affairs, digital media, federal outreach, internal communications, and marketing.

Nyanteh is a seasoned corporate communications professional with deep expertise in strategic communications, issues management, media relations, and employee and leadership communications. Before joining AIR, she was senior director of brand communications at AstraZeneca, where she led communications for its U.S. lung cancer franchise, including three key product launches that reestablished the company in oncology. Her team was awarded the 2016 CEO Award for an exceptional product launch of a breakthrough advanced ovarian cancer treatment. During her tenure at AstraZeneca, she also led global internal communications for MedImmune, the biologics arm of the company, leading key internal initiatives around culture, employee value proposition, executive engagement, and brand redesign.

Nyanteh has more than 25 years of professional communications leadership experience in the public and private sectors and has worked for internationally prominent brands. She has proven versatility across the communications spectrum and a range of industries including utilities, retail, consumer goods, packaging, financial services, and the Federal Government.

Nyanteh enjoys adjunct teaching at the collegiate level. She is a Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Montgomery County chapter, and was past president of the International Association of Business Communicators, Washington Metro Chapter.