Justin DeJong

Justin DeJong is Chief Communications Officer at Howard Brown Health, where he leads communications, marketing, government affairs, and development. As a member of the executive leadership team, he oversees strategies that strengthen the organization’s reputation, advance public policy priorities, deepen community engagement, and support philanthropic growth in pursuit of high quality, affirming healthcare for all.

A trusted advisor to executive leaders, policymakers, and national organizations, DeJong has built and protected the reputations of some of the nation’s most influential institutions while helping organizations navigate complex issues, public policy challenges, and moments of significant change.

Before joining Howard Brown Health, DeJong spent more than 12 years at the American Medical Association, most recently as Vice President of Enterprise Communications. There, he expanded the organization’s national visibility, modernized its communications and digital capabilities, advanced key legislative and regulatory priorities, and led communications strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier in his career, DeJong served in the Obama Administration as Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he oversaw national media relations and led USDA communications for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative. He also served as Illinois Communications Director for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, led communications for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and served as spokesperson for several Illinois state agencies.

DeJong is an active civic and nonprofit leader. He has served as Board Chair of Equality Illinois, Outreach Chair of the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund, Campaign Board member for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, and board member of the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group (CAPAG). He is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow since 2020 and a member of the Page Society’s Page Up program.