The MASHSMD Lifetime Excellence Award for Dedication (LEAD) is given to one or more recipients who have contributed throughout their professional career to the field of healthcare marketing, communications, business development, and/or public relations. Recipients receive this award at the MASHSMD annual conference and are forever recognized on the organization’s website.

This award honors outstanding leaders who have contributed to the field of health care strategy, including marketers, strategic planners, business developers, and communications/PR leaders—individuals who are truly exemplars of the strategy professions and can demonstrate a career of stellar achievement.

Eligibility 

• Must be a current or have been a MASHSMD member in good standing for at least five years with demonstrated volunteer leadership involvement. 
• Ten or more years of experience in healthcare marketing and communications — marketing, communications/PR/social media, business development, or physician marketing strategies.
• Nominees may not currently serve on the MASHSMD Board; however, past MASHSMD Board members may be nominated.
• Previous LEAD winners are not eligible.

Criteria

Nominees’ career achievements will be judged by the MASHSMD Board on the following criteria:

• Innovation: Demonstrated creativity, diversity of thought, and nimbleness to respond to and proactively anticipate changes in the healthcare landscape.
  
• Enhancement of the profession: Participated in professional organizations; frequent author of articles in local, national, and/or trade publications; and public speaking appearances at conferences, events, and/or webinars.
• Career achievements and leadership: Exhibited significant career progression with increasingly more significant leadership roles throughout her/his career.
• Exceptional stewardship: Expressed integrity; ability to motivate and mentor others; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and represented the values of our profession to people in other fields and the community’s healthcare organizations serve. 

Nomination Process

To nominate a colleague, please send their name, a brief explanation about how they have met or exceeded the criteria for the award, and any other pertinent nomination information, to [email protected].

Submit Nomination 

Past Winners

Jean Hitchcock

Jean is a visionary marketing and public relations leader blending consulting and corporate experience. Over her 25+ years in health care marketing and communications on the provider and consultant side, she has built lasting relationships in—and deep knowledge of—all aspects of the healthcare and hospital industry.

 “Through her experience, leadership roles, writing, and speaking engagements, Jean has always been a strong advocate for bringing the patient's voice to internal and external communication and marketing discussions,” said Brond.

 Jean is widely regarded as a national expert in developing and implementing brand management programs, marketing plans, physician engagement strategies, department assessments, crisis communication plans, and marketing training for staff and physicians. She has held senior leadership roles and served as a consultant for various organizations, including academic medical centers, multi-hospital systems, physician groups, and community hospitals in rural and urban settings. Her senior leadership roles have included:

• VP, Marketing, Communications, and Physician Relations, Phoenix Children's Hospital
• President, Hitchcock Marketing & Communications
• Corporate Vice President, Public Affairs and Marketing, MedStar Health
• Corporate Vice President, Scripps Health
• Principal/ Vice President, Rynne Marketing Group
• Corporate Director of Communications, OhioHealth
• Corporate Director of Communications, Spectrum Health

Jean received her bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from Hunter College, earned a master’s in public administration from Western Michigan University, and completed the Executive Management of Healthcare Leadership Program at the University of Michigan.

To nominate a colleague for next year’s L.E.A.D. Award, please send their name and a brief explanation about how they have met or exceeded the criteria for the award to [email protected].