Ann Searight Christiano is the founder and Director of the Center for Public Interest Communications and a clinical professor in the Department of Public Relations at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Public Interest Communication uses science-driven strategic communications and storytelling to advance positive social change. Searight developed the first-ever curriculum in public interest communications and completed a 10-year term as the inaugural Frank Karel Chair in Public Interest Communications in May 2020. Before coming to the University of Florida in 2010, Searight was a senior communications officer for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, directing communications efforts for programs that address social factors like housing, education and mental health that drive health and wellbeing.