Heather Fritz Horniak
About Heather Fritz Horniak
Heather Fritz Horniak is the Head of Federal Communications at Scale AI, where she has worked since 2023. She has a strong background in strategic communications and national security, having previously held various roles at the Central Intelligence Agency and earned degrees from Johns Hopkins and the University of Chicago.
Current Role at ScaleAI
Heather Fritz Horniak serves as the Head of Federal Communications at Scale AI, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing communication strategies and initiatives that engage federal stakeholders. Her work focuses on enhancing the organization's presence and influence within federal sectors, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and technology.
Previous Experience at the Central Intelligence Agency
Heather Fritz Horniak has extensive experience at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she held multiple roles. From 2021 to 2023, she worked as a Senior Analyst, contributing to intelligence assessments and strategic initiatives. Prior to that, she served as the Mission Center Deputy Chief of Staff from 2020 to 2021, and as a Protocol Officer from 2018 to 2019. In these positions, she developed skills in media relations and crisis communications, serving as a spokesperson for the agency.
Educational Background
Heather Fritz Horniak earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Studies and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). She also holds an AB in Political Science from the University of Chicago. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her expertise in national security communications and strategic communications.
Early Career and Research Experience
Before her tenure at the CIA, Heather Fritz Horniak worked as a Research Assistant at the Gershon Genetics Laboratory at The University of Chicago from 2003 to 2006. Additionally, she served as a Consultant at General Dynamics from 2006 to 2007. These early roles contributed to her development of critical thinking and collaboration skills, which she has leveraged throughout her career.
Skills and Expertise
Heather Fritz Horniak possesses a strong background in strategic communications, with a particular emphasis on national security communications in federal contexts. Her expertise includes critical thinking, collaboration, and media relations, all of which are essential in her current role and previous positions. Her experience as a spokesperson for the CIA highlights her capabilities in handling complex communication challenges.