Joan Fallon Email & Phone Number

Responsible for developing and implementing an external communications strategy for this first-in-the-nation health plan, noted for its excellent customer service and innovative health insurance options. Oversees HPHC's community affairs program, ensuring that the health plan engages in community enrichment and civic engagement to benefit its members in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Responsible for media relations and crisis communications. Works with the marketing team to enhance the Harvard Pilgrim brand and expand the health plan's visibility and reputation.Oversees a staff of five communications, marketing and event planning professionals.

Created communications and government affairs strategy for the Health Connector, the independent state authority established to implement Massachusetts’ landmark healthcare reform law. Guided the execution of a comprehensive marketing and outreach campaign for this first-in-the-nation effort that has brought health coverage to more than 98% of Massachusetts residents. • Coordinated comprehensive outreach efforts to all levels of government: local, state and federal to support health reform efforts.•Effectively branded the Health Connector as the place to go to choose quality health coverage.• Managed staff of up to nine communications/government professionals.

Reporting to the CEO, served as chief communications and government affairs officer for one of Boston’s premiere teaching hospitals. Guided the execution of a comprehensive public affairs and communications strategy for the Medical Center that included responsibility for image building, intergovernmental affairs, employee communications, media relations, and broad-based marketing and advertising. Articulated the organization’s mission in order to build public awareness and advocacy for the Medical Center, its staff, employees and clinical services.

• Served as spokesman for the Committee with statewide media and editorial boards. • Executive staff member with direct input to Committee’s policy making decisions on issues ranging from state budgeting and education to the environment, insurance, and health-related legislation and initiatives. • Provided advice and counsel to the Chairman and members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee on comprehensive and effective communication programs, including planning, promotion and crisis management.PRIOR MEDIA EXPERIENCEMIDDLESEX NEWS, Framingham, MA State House Bureau Chief • Covered breaking political news at the Massachusetts State House for this regional, daily newspaper. Served as editor for political news.• Developed analytical pieces concerning behind-the-scenes developments in Massachusetts politics. • Authored a weekly column. • Built and maintained an extensive network of professional, business and political sources. Bureau Chief and General Assignment Reporter • Served as chief of the newspaper’s Marlboro and Maynard bureaus after beginning as a general assignment reporter covering town government in the paper’s home base of Framingham, Massachusetts. • As chief of two bureaus, held responsibility for news coverage in nine communities, as well as management responsibility for nine reporters, four correspondents, three editorial assistants, and nine bureau coordinators. • Supervised reporter scheduling, story assignment, and coordination of day-to-day operations. • Edited first two editions of the newspaper.LOWELL SUN, Lowell, MA General Assignment Reporter• Served as general assignment reporter/feature writer for this daily, regional newspaper.

Master Of Arts, Journalism

Bachelor Of Arts, English Literature

Visiting Professor – Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland (Health Insurance Exchange Leadership Program) April 2012.