2023 Class of SHSMD Rising Stars

 

Abraham Gage is the System Vice President of Strategy & Business Intelligence at UofL Health in Kentucky.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and a Board Certified Medical Practice Executive.  Prior to accepting his current position, he held leadership positions in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Louisville and in the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University.  Before committing to the health care field fully, he worked across the United States as a Senior Consultant for Deloitte.   

Here’s what Abraham’s nominators had to say:  

“He is a demonstrated leader who knows how to collaborate with others to effect change in a meaningful way.” 

“Integrity is the best word to describe Abe’s character. For me that means doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” 

“Abe has helped to mentor, sponsor, and advocate for young and upcoming leaders not just in our organization but in the community.” 

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Adam Tiedt, the Regional Vice President at Intellimed, is an award-winning health care strategy leader. With over a decade of experience in the health care field, Adam excels at partnering with executive leaders to support data-driven marketing and business development initiatives. In his current role, Adam specializes in new business opportunities and helping health systems access market data and analytics solutions to support strategic planning. He also serves as Intellimed’s Director of Sales Enablement, leading a team that manages the company’s marketing and sales enablement efforts. 

Here’s what Adam’s nominators had to say:  

“Adam Tiedt is driven to continue contributing to the health care landscape and I know he would use his platform as a recipient of the SHSMD Rising Stars award to do so.” 

“Adam is an individual who conveys the characteristics one seeks in the business world: Passion, Commitment, Partnership, and an openness to being coached.” 

“He is always seeking out new ideas and trends that could impact the health care landscape and is not afraid to challenge the status quo.” 

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Andy Cessac is a senior marketing manager at Emory Healthcare, overseeing patient acquisition and retention marketing across several service lines. Before joining Emory, he was an agency strategist for cataract and LASIK surgeons across the southeast. Andy leads cross-functional teams to plan, build and launch various projects using multi-channel marketing campaigns and CRM-driven initiatives. His most notable project includes launching telehealth in 2020, creating an 875,900% increase in virtual visits within ten months.   

Here’s what Andy’s nominators had to say:  

“His leadership style is inclusive, innovative and encouraging – something others across our marketing department and the system overall greatly benefit from as he moves difficult projects through to completion.” 

“His uplifting and outgoing personality shines through, both personally and professionally, which makes working alongside him a joy.” 

“Andy is a valued professional with a strong sense of integrity. His ability to develop projects and lead them from conception to completion is truly outstanding.” 

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Caroline Isemann is an experienced communications professional who has spent the last decade of her career serving health care organizations in Baton Rouge, La. After previously managing all communications for Woman’s Hospital, she recently transitioned to a director role on the organization’s Epic project team where she leads change management, communications and training for the new electronic health record implementation. In addition to her involvement with SHSMD, Caroline is a member and former President of her local Public Relations Association (PRAL-BR) chapter and the LA Hospital Association’s PR & Marketing steering committee. She received her accreditation in public relations (APR) in 2020 and enjoys mentoring young professionals and helping them see the value of relationships and networking in professional growth. Caroline received the National Excellence in Public Relations award by the Public Relations Society of America’s Health Academy in 2021 and PRAL-BR’s Practitioner of the Year award in 2020.  

Here’s what Caroline’s nominators had to say:  

“Caroline’s strategic way of thinking comes with years of honing her skills in public relations and her commitment to staying up to date with industry best practices.” 

“She is an exceptional leader who leads by example, setting high standards for herself and her team. She has fostered a culture of excellence and trust, where everyone on the team feels valued and is motivated to work towards the organization's goals.” 

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Emily Browning is the Director of Strategy and Consumer Insights for Akron Children’s Hospital, a pediatric, not-for-profit health system serving eastern Ohio. Emily joined Akron Children’s patient experience department in 2015 before moving to the strategy and business development team in 2019. Prior to Akron Children’s, Emily worked as a marketing analytics consultant at Analytic Partners in Cincinnati, Ohio and Dublin, Ireland. Emily is active in her community, serving on the boards of the Women’s Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation and Red Oak Behavioral Health. She lives in Akron, Ohio with her husband, Benny. 

Here’s what Emily’s nominators had to say:  

“I have been in this business for more than 40 years and never has anyone risen as quickly in their skillset and value to the organization as Emily has. I believe that she represents outstanding promise in health care strategy and has an extremely bright future in our field.” 

“What sets Emily apart from others is that she is highly skilled with data, and she works hard to understand and interpret the data in a meaningful way in support of organizational growth objectives.”

“She's earned the opportunity of trust to be present in some of the most high-level strategic discussions by our hospital leadership -- and she does not squander that trust or opportunity.”

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Jenny Sundberg serves as Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning for Bryan Health, a Nebraska governed, and nonprofit health care system. Jenny is a futurist with a strategic mindset, a listening ear, and thrives in identifying opportunities and creating solutions to better serve people, providers and patients. As a leader with more than 15 years of health care space experience, Jenny finds enjoyment in guiding teams to identify, plan and achieve their strategic goals and objectives to drive Bryan Health forward. She regularly speaks in classrooms and conference rooms on topics of strategic development and deployment, marketing, advertising and communication. 

Here’s what Jenny’s nominators had to say:  

“Jenny is a thought leader who expands our team’s views and perspectives on a variety of health care topics, and she is quick to share industry information related to the best practices and innovation (often from SHSMD).” 

“For the past 8 years she has been upwardly mobile because of her inherent positive outlook and her ability to lead a myriad of initiatives throughout our growing system” 

“She often challenges the status quo in conversations by encouraging her teams and demonstrating being a champion of the 'outside in approach'.” 

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Jesiree Driskell has devoted her career to Hendrick Health, where she is currently System Director for Marketing and Communications. A creative at heart, she began as a Public Relations Specialist and Graphic Designer. Throughout her tenure, she has been integral in driving marketing, branding and digital strategies across the entire health system, from introducing social media to launching mobile apps. While navigating the changing health care landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesiree also led the Hendrick Health’s marketing efforts as the organization acquired and integrated two additional hospital systems, relying on collaboration, innovation and adaptability as the organization grew rapidly in complexity. 

Here’s what Jesiree’s nominators had to say:  

“Jesiree rises to the top due to her ability to combine her strengths as a health care strategist, her understanding of a complex comprehensive health care system, and her passion for our community and the patients we serve.” 

“Her accomplishments put her on a trajectory to be promoted to an executive position in the near future, which will mark the first time in our organization’s history that her position will be elevated to the executive level.” 

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Kathryn Lam is the Senior Director of Strategic Planning and System Integration for Hartford HealthCare (HHC), Connecticut's most comprehensive health care network. Katie plays a critical role in developing and cascading the strategic direction of HHC. She oversees the strategic planning for the organization’s regions and service lines. She leads a team of talented strategists who drive the creation of new services for HHC’s patients and development of strategic partnerships for the organization. In her role, she facilitates HHC’s annual strategic planning process and manages communication between the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Directors around the organization’s strategic priorities. During her time at HHC, she has led the planning of numerous strategic initiatives to advance the organization’s mission and development of HHC’s institutes and networks, including its Heart & Vascular Institute and Behavioral Health Network.  

Here’s what Kathryn’s nominators had to say:  

“Her ability to simplify complex situations and her talent to define new strategies is a central component of quality health care leaders today.” 

“Katie has an impressive ability to connect the dots on a range of topics within an increasingly complex environment and then appropriately share these insights for the benefit of our leadership team.”  

“She is well beyond someone with mere potential, as she has and continues to be a well-established go-to resource that rises to meet any challenge in any area she serves.” 

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Kristina Schiller Chaki, is the Director of Digital Marketing and Engagement at Sheppard Pratt, the nation’s largest private, nonprofit provider of behavioral health services. In her role, she is responsible for the organization’s digital engagement tools, consumer and clinician content, and sponsorships. In her 8+ years at Sheppard Pratt, Kristina has led the build and implementations of a new consumer website, CRM and ORM platforms, consumer and clinician publications, and comprehensive service line campaigns. With over a decade of experience in healthcare and nonprofit marketing, Kristina excels in digital and social media, content marketing, and marketing strategy. Prior to her role at Sheppard Pratt, Kristina held roles in account management at global advertising firms Havas and Weber Shandwick.  

Here’s what Kristina’s nominators had to say:  

“A valued and respected leader within her organization and community, she leverages her connections to understand the changing programmatic needs of each department as she translates those needs into projects that satisfy their goals and objectives.” 

“Kristina ensures the continuation of her can-do philosophy through her efforts to recruit, mentor, and motivate her team of likeminded, passionate staff.” 

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Michael Hendell is the Manager of Strategic Planning for Northside Hospital. Located in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike’s career is highlighted by 13 years of progressive growth and positive contributions to strategic planning, analytics, business development, and related functions. Prior to Northside, he held positions at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital and lectured as an adjunct instructor at James Madison University. He is active in volunteer initiatives supporting community health, education, and leadership/career development. 

Here’s what Michael’s nominators had to say:  

“Mike is a compassionate health care leader and manager. He maintains strong relationships with each member of his team and many other colleagues... He devotes considerable time getting to know employees on an individual level and actively works to promote their ongoing development and engagement through customized approaches.” 

“I was constantly inspired by his commitment to achieving excellent work results and the positive relationships he cultivated throughout the organization. Mike exemplifies the values of SHSMD and has the personal qualities and proven abilities to achieve more advanced levels of leadership in his career.” 

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Michelle Luna Toscano embarked on a career in health care marketing at Carson Valley Health in January 2020. Shortly after being hired, Michelle was tasked with stepping in as the Public Information Officer at the start of the pandemic. She quickly realized her passion for the health care field. Michelle began immersing herself in the SHSMD community through the Orientation to Health Care course and participating in the mentorship program. Michelle is now a Senior Marketing Business Partner at Renown Health and is grateful to be on such a great team of strategists. She remains dedicated to SHSMD by attending the annual conferences, earning new course certificates, and contributing to the DEI committee. 

Here’s what Michelle nominators had to say:  

“A strategically motivated, outcome-oriented professional, Michelle has advances health care marketing at the local, state and national level.” 

“She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence and innovation in patient care, marketing and communications and in ways to improve access and community health.” 

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Nick Hanson has been working in health care communications for more than 15 years at institutions including the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, the University of Minnesota Medical School, Mayo Clinic and Gillette Children's. Hanson has expertise in crisis communication, public affairs campaigns, social media strategy and management, media relations, digital strategy and corporate communications. He has led media and social media campaigns that have resonated across the globe. Hanson also spent time in the agency world.

Nick started his career as an education reporter at the St. Cloud Times and Mankato Free Press. He is currently the President of the Minnesota Healthcare Strategy and Communications Network (MHSCN), a SHSMD affiliated organization. During his time on the board, he has recruited members to join the board from the major Minnesota health care organizations including HealthPartners, Allina, Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview and Medica. During COVID-19 Nick helped launch a series of well-attended webinars on subjects such as a playbook for launching enlightening salons in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, employee and physician mental health and burnout and digital and social media strategies to engage patients virtually.  

Here’s what Nick’s nominators had to say:  

“Nick is a high performer in our department and constantly has an eye on innovation.” 

“Nick dives into the data and helps the team understand what we’re doing right, and what we can do better.” 

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Sarah Murlin has a BSBA with a specialization in Marketing from Bowling Green State University and plans to pursue her MBA in the spring. Sarah previously spent 10 years in media with a focus on digital marketing and now serves as Marketing Manager for Reid Health. She loves the opportunity to put servant leadership into practice at Reid and is honored to care for the community in this role.  

Outside of work when Sarah isn’t spending time with her husband and 2 active boys, she’s hiking, running, reading, and spending as much time as possible outdoors. 

Here’s what Sarah’s nominators had to say:  

“Sarah thrives on the excitement generated in collaboration with others. She is often at the center of a brainstorming session, leading the charge and generating enthusiasm among her colleagues.” 

“Sarah is naturally empathetic and deeply cares about how her work in marketing has a direct impact on patient experience, service line growth, and brand reputation.”