Former association president has long history serving the association as a volunteer.

Heather C. Steinmeyer has been named incoming chief policy officer at the International Trademark Association (INTA). Most recently the vice president and counsel of Elevance Health, formerly known as Anthem, Steinmeyer has been an association volunteer for more than two decades, serving as INTA president in 2010. She succeeds Bruce MacPherson, who recently retired after serving 29 years in the role.

As chief policy officer, Steinmeyer will oversee all activities undertaken by the advocacy group’s 19 committees. This involves developing strategies and objectives to advance the association’s Strategic Plan and goals in public policy issues worldwide.

Steinmeyer began her career in intellectual property law in private practice at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd (now K&L Gates) in Chicago, where she became a partner. She then held multiple roles in the health care industry, first at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and then Anthem, which subsequently became Elevance Health, where she was responsible for leading legal teams supporting IP and branding, international businesses, privacy and information security, information technology, and digital solutions.

As an INTA volunteer, Steinmeyer has a long and distinguished history. She served in numerous elected leadership and officer positions up to and including the 2010 president and chair of the board of directors and executive committee. As a board member from 2001 to 2013 and a member/chair on various committees including the Finance, Commercialization of Brands, Impact Studies, Leadership Development and Planning Committees, both before and after her presidency, she has shown herself to be a dedicated and productive member of the INTA community for many years, the association said in a statement.

Notable association initiatives where Steinmeyer played a central role include the 2010-2013 Strategic Plan, development of INTA’s strategy for small- and medium-sized enterprises, the establishment of the Pro Bono Committee and Volunteer Service Award, and the development of new Financial Reserves Policy and Investment Guidelines. Steinmeyer also served as co-chair of the 2015 Presidential Task Force on Brands and Innovation and the 2018-2019 Brand Value Special Task Force.

“We are thrilled to have Heather join the INTA staff as chief policy officer,” said INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. “She brings the right skill set, background, and industry knowledge for the role, but also legal acumen, work ethic, and inspiring leadership that has long been appreciated among the INTA membership and staff. Together with Heather, INTA’s chief governance officer Randi Mustello, the officers, Board, and staff, I look forward to continuing the excellent work of the Association as a trusted and influential advocate for the economic and social value of brands and intellectual property.”

“I could not be more thrilled with Heather’s appointment. Her tireless contributions on behalf of INTA over many years demonstrate her commitment to the association’s mission and to advancing IP. Heather is also universally respected within the INTA community. The goodwill and enthusiasm her efforts engender are a testament to what a terrific addition she will be to the staff,” added INTA president Jomarie Fredericks (Rotary International, USA).

“INTA’s mission and community have always inspired and energized me. As a longtime volunteer, I have been humbled by the dedication and professionalism of the staff,” said Steinmeyer. “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to join them. I look forward to building on the legacy of strong advocacy and thoughtful policy development to propel the association’s future strategies and success.”

Steinmeyer will officially join INTA in mid-March 2023.