After 49 years in the workforce, I have entered the next phase. It's early days so I'm still figuring out how I'll spend my time, but I do know it will include lots of family, friends, some volunteering (staring in my eldest granddaughter's school), self-care (which went seriously lacking during and post-pandemic), and who knows what else . . . we shall see.

From 2015 to 2017, in this position I developed, managed, and implemented strategic internal and external communication programs for Varian's Oncology Systems (OS) business, a leading developer of medical devices and software for treating cancer. Served as liaison with the corporate communications and medical affairs groups in producing materials for new product introductions, customer success stories, promotion of medical research. Around 2017, after a reorganization of the marketing/branding/communications functions at Varian, I assumed responsibility for developing, managing, and implementing strategic internal and external communication programs at the corporate level. Recent projects have included: 1) serving as lead for the communications and branding functions during integration of some major and minor acquisitions, 2) content marketing, including the production of "Centerline," Varian's online magazine for the clinical oncology community, 3) launch and ongoing management of VarianVision, a thought leadership webinar series that we used during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person events with customers were suspended. In April 2021, Varian was acquired by Siemens Healthineers, and in addition to my ongoing work on special communications projects, I have been actively engaged in integration activities as we combine the two companies.

Responsible for developing and executing strategic public and media relations programs to support the growth of Varian’s business around the globe. Managed public relations programs in North America and Europe, as well as China, India, Brazil, and Japan, developing programs to promote positive public awareness and support for Varian technology and products. This involved extensive coordination with medical affairs, legal, and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with SEC, FDA, FCC regulations as well as similar bodies in countries outside the U.S. Also oversaw Varian's crisis communications, from planning and message development to media training.

Managed corporate communications for a publicly traded medical equipment manufacturing company. Worked to promote the company’s hardware and software technologies with investors, customers, journalists, and the general public. Established strong internal relationships with product managers, researchers, engineers, and marketing personnel to keep corporate communications and PR/media outreach activities aligned with business priorities and objectives. Executed the company’s annual media relations/PR programs, as well as customer-facing communication projects including marketing collateral, case studies, magazine articles, electronic newsletters, and sales support materials. Managed a hospital partners PR program, working with customers on local PR campaigns to promote their adoption of Varian technology. Managed external vendors, including PR agencies, freelance writers, print and web designers, and media monitoring firms. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Transformed a long-standing company newsletter into a credible magazine produced twice a year for oncology medical professionals. Conducted national visibility campaigns for new technology initiatives and major product launches, resulting in extensive coverage by major trade and general interest publications. Oversaw the re-design, including architecture, of the company’s external website as well as the corporate Intranet.

Directed the corporate communications functions for a graduate school of clinical psychology (the California School of Clinical Psychology, or CSPP, with campuses in four California cities. Just before I left, CSPP merged with another institution and became Alliant International University). In this position, I executed projects in student recruitment, institutional and faculty advancement, public affairs, and media and alumni relations. Supervised the production of newsletters, magazines, viewbooks, marketing materials, and website content; authored articles, position papers, speeches, press releases, and promotional materials. Managed a public affairs program to influence developments in the field of psychology; produced editorials, position papers, speeches, and Congressional testimony.

At this corporate and special event production company, worked on corporate events from inception and budgeting through contract negotiation and fulfillment. Developed event concepts, solutions, budgets, and proposals in accordance with clients’ needs; made client presentations; managed event logistics; selected and supervised subcontractors; purchased goods and services. Handled all aspects of client relations before, during, and after events. Generated new business through direct mail marketing, advertising, and cold calling; presented the company’s capabilities to prospective clients. Managed our participation in industry trade shows; successfully placed numerous stories about the company in targeted trade publications.

Managed the Writers’ Program, a unit that planned, implemented, and promoted 350-400 adult education courses and conferences annually, with a gross income of approximately $1,250,000. Prepared budgets and monitored expenses. Devised and implemented marketing and promotion strategies. Supervised, trained, and evaluated a staff of four program representatives and their assistants. Oriented new instructors, many of whom were published writers but lacked teaching experience; helped them structure their courses and anticipate students’ needs. Organized and managed special events: departmental Open Houses; publication parties; readings; multi-day intensive workshops; instructor development seminars. Also served on a number of special cross-institutional task forces during an institutional reorganization effort; chairing the task force on market research.