The Partnership Center Staff

Heidi Christensen

Heidi Christensen is a Public Affairs Specialist at the HHS Partnership Center. Her efforts focus on strengthening the capacity of faith and community organizations to respond to critical public health issues. Heidi has coordinated coalitions of diverse faith and community-based partners to address critical health issues including childhood obesity, diabetes, access to care, and the epidemic of addiction, as well as the social and economic issues challenging the health of our nation’s communities.  In response to the opioid crisis, she created the Opioid Crisis Practical Toolkit for Faith and Community (now in its fourth edition) and will soon release the Roadmap to Recovery Support for Faith and Community Leaders: Getting Back to Work.

Previously, at the Center for Interfaith Action on Global Poverty, she supported U.S. faith-based organizations on collaborative efforts addressing malaria and other health issues affecting the developing world.   

James Harris

James Harris is the Assistant at the HHS Partnership Center. James ensures the day-to-day operations of the Partnership Center run smoothly. He oversees the Center’s Maternal health portfolio, while also assisting the team with their portfolios. James is passionate about building relationships and connecting with faith and community-based leaders around the country. He resides in Washington D.C. with his wife and retired guide dog.

Ben O’Dell

Ben O’Dell is the Program Specialist at the HHS Partnership Center. Ben is a recognized expert on facilitating partnerships between faith-based, philanthropic, and community organizations and government at all levels. Ben’s interest in strengthening local faith-based and community leaders and community engagement principles to religious, community, and government interest has led him to develop deep relationships, knowledge, and expertise on a broad range of issues from strengthening fathers and families to strategies for bringing groups together in collaborative networks. Ben has served at the Partnership Center for over seventeen years making him one of the longest-standing employees of any faith office across the federal government.

Ben received his Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Knowledge Management in 2007 from the School of Public Policy at George Mason University. Ben resides outside of Washington, D.C., with his wife, Kristin, and implements his own personal fatherhood initiatives with their two kids.

Catherine O. Snow

Catherine O. Snow serves as a Public Affairs Specialist at the HHS Partnership Center where she manages its traditional and digital marketing and communication efforts. Prior to joining the Center, Catherine served as the Marketing and Project Manager for Focus on the Family’s Government and Public Policy division for seven years. She has also served as Vice President and Sr. Marketing Consultant to Wachovia Bank’s Debt Capital Markets Division in Atlanta. Having worked in the private and nonprofit sectors for nearly two decades, Catherine desires to use her expertise to help bridge the “communication gap” between faith communities and the government.