As a senior level, results-oriented, mission-driven, healthcare communications and public relations professional with more than 25 years of experience, I have broad, comprehensive knowledge and ”hands-on” expertise in brand development and positioning, media relations and crisis communications, internal communications, social media, marketing, advertising, advocacy, government relations, public affairs and philanthropic communications. I have a proven track record of building and leading high-performing communications teams, creating and managing successful brands, serving as a company spokesperson, aligning employees to a company’s mission, values, and goals, counseling C-suite executives on communication issues and thought leadership, and clearly communicating complex issues. Currently, I am the Chief Communications Officer and Vice President of Communications & Public Relations for the American Association for Cancer Research, the world's first and largest scientific organization dedicated to preventing and curing all cancers. I have a passion for creating and enhancing healthcare brands, telling the company story through various, integrated communications vehicles and building strategic relationships. My motto is "Relationships are key to success". To me, branding is where communications meets operations. Branding is conducting research. It’s defining the organization’s brand positioning. It’s developing an appropriate brand architecture structure to account for future new business initiatives. It’s creating an identity which accurately reflects the business. It’s activating the brand with customers, and creating a brand story to bring the new positioning to life. Most importantly, a great brand starts internally with engaging employees and business operations to ensure alignment with the brand in all daily actions and communications.Specialties: Brand Development, Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Social Media, Communications Strategy, Executive Counsel, Reputation Management, Public Affairs, Government Relations, Philanthropic Communications, Patient Advocacy, Measurement and ROI, Project Management, Building High-Performing Teams, Budgeting