Ellie Polack
New City,NY
Summary
Dynamic communications leader with 25 years of health care experience, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing CEO visibility. Expert in crisis response and media relations, leveraging AI-based tools to deliver impactful storytelling. Proven track record in managing high-stakes events and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to elevate brand awareness and influence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
The Cigna Group
09.2017 - Current
- Lead 22+ team responsible for all enterprise PR/media relations, newsroom editorial content, CEO and business thought leadership initiatives, daily Iris content, All-Team Meeting planning, crisis response, measurement and insights and AI tools for communicators.
- Design and implement data-driven, purpose-based strategic initiatives to drive awareness and favorability among C-suite, policy and media influencers.
- Played a critical role in several enterprise tasks forces managing external strategies for key events, including CI/ESI combination, the COVID-19 pandemic, our loneliness, resilience, healthy workforce, and vitality thought leadership initiatives, Investor Days, Let's Make it Better commitments among others.
- Manage editorial content across three Newsroom properties, ensuring daily cadence of dynamic content that supports business strategies, launched video capabilities and the Health Unscripted Podcast.
- Secure and facilitate CEO media interviews, conference appearances and bespoke events including the Achilles Gala, the Vitality Launch event and three Salon Dinners, the two Cigna & Business Roundtable Workforce Mental Health Summits.
- Manage crisis responses wide-ranging issues, including customer denials, prior authorizations, cybersecurity and divisive social issues, etc.
- Oversee data, measurement and insights capabilities to develop the monthly Communications scorecard and the quarterly CEO Impact report, along with business-aligned reports.
Executive Vice President
Edelman
09.2005 - 08.2017
- Managed operational efficiency for the 20-person Wellness practice, oversaw a $6.7M+ book of business across all Wellness accounts. Responsible for all staffing, account structures, quarterly projections, account profitability, team dynamics and new hires
- Served as the primary relationship manager for senior clients, including GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer, AstraZeneca, Hospital for Special Surgery and the American Heart Association, among many others. Led strategic development of all PR campaigns and managed the team's execution of daily account responsibilities, producing and pitching media events/roundtables, fashion shows, celebrity media tours and PSAs.
- Provided media counsel on all crises and issues including negative media stories, competitive threats, product withdrawals, failed clinical trials and allegations of misconduct.
Senior Account Supervisor
Hill & Knowlton Strategies
08.2003 - 08.2005
- Developed strong partnerships with media outlets to generate favorable media coverage for advance health policy objectives.
- Media trained senior corporate executives and facilitate multi-platform media interviews.
- Mentored junior staff members on best practices for account management, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Senior Account Executive
Vorhaus & Company
09.2002 - 09.2003
- Established long-lasting partnerships with key industry influencers, generating increased brand awareness and credibility.
- Developed unique story lines to pique media's interest and incorporate client messaging.
Account Executive
Noonan Russo Communications
08.2000 - 09.2002
- Developed story angles and press materials, including releases, corporate fact sheets and technology backgrounders
- Secured a series of Wall Street Journal articles on behalf of the biotech start-up, Novazyme, which was turned into a book, The Cure, authored by the original WSJ journalist and sold to CBS Studios and adapted to the movie, Extraordinary Measures, starring Brendan Fraser.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations
Syracuse University, Newhouse School
Syracuse, NY05-2000
Skills
Strategy and execution
Thought leadership
AI-Based communications tools
CEO & Executive visibility
Media relations
Purpose-driven storytelling
Crisis response
Event Planning
Measurement, Data & Insights
Awards
2025 PR Week Healthcare Awards, Finalist, Best in Mental Health & Wellbeing: Vitality in America: Optimism Prevails
2023 PR Week Healthcare Awards, Best Content: Vitality Index, Next Generation Measure of Health
2022 Ragans PR Daily Awards: Best Original Research, Healthy Workforce, Best Healthcare Content, The Cigna Newsroom
2022 PRSA Silver Anvil Awards: The Cigna Newsroom: Taking the Pen Back
2019 PRSA Silver Anvil Awards: Cigna US Loneliness Index
2018 PR Daily Awards: US Loneliness Index
2017 Spirit of Edelman Awards
Timeline
Managing Director
The Cigna Group
09.2017 - Current
Executive Vice President
Edelman
09.2005 - 08.2017
Senior Account Supervisor
Hill & Knowlton Strategies
08.2003 - 08.2005
Senior Account Executive
Vorhaus & Company
09.2002 - 09.2003
Account Executive
Noonan Russo Communications
08.2000 - 09.2002
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations
Syracuse University, Newhouse School
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