Anna Culbertson, 27 UNIHTED Executive Director

Anna Culbertson

  • Executive Director and Co-Founder at 27 UNIHTED

  • (Illegally Fired) Scientific Program Specialist at the NIH

When Anna was placed on administrative leave from her position at NIH, she felt compelled to help other federal workers in her position. She started the website Spoonfederal and connected to other groups doing similar work assisting federal employees. When she heard rumors about upcoming reductions in force (RIFs) at NIH, she wanted to use her existing connections to build a community. Anna began to organize employees to take action in the wake of uncertainty. She came together with a group of RIFed NIH employees and probationary employees to develop 27 UNIHTED as a way to support one another after job loss. 

After NIH researchers released the Bethesda Declaration (with input and volunteer assistance from 27 UNIHTED), the organization, through Anna’s leadership, chose to take on a stronger role in the advocacy space. 27 UNIHTED pushes back against the damaging effects on the scientific research ecosystem, while building a supportive community. Anna has led this effort since April 2025, overseeing more than 120 volunteers. She uses the organization’s influence to contribute to conversations regarding rebuilding government institutions. As part of that, she frequently makes media appearances to spread 27 UNIHTED’s message.

Five months into her NIH Program Specialist position in February 2025, Anna was subjected to the illegal probationary firings. Prior to that position, Anna worked as a Scientific Information Analyst in the Division of Categorizations and Analysis in the NIH’s Office of the Director for three years. There, she managed the scientific categorization and annual reporting of up to 25 different research areas.