Jacqueline Bett
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Skilled in cultivating relationships and managing communication strategies within fast-paced, highly complex environments. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and execute comprehensive communication plans. Committed to driving impactful communication strategies that elevate brand visibility and foster community engagement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications
Kaleida Health
10.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: Largest healthcare provider in the 8 counties of Western New York with 10,000 employees and 1,700 providers
- Develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy to support organizational objectives and priorities
- Lead efforts to enhance the healthcare system's reputation and visibility through proactive media outreach and storytelling
- Collaborate with senior executives to align communication efforts with broader organizational strategies
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the healthcare system, as needed
- Oversee public relations team and media relations efforts, including crafting press releases, responding to media inquiries, and building relationships with journalists
- Proactively identify opportunities for positive media coverage and manage potential crises to protect the organization's reputation
- Build and maintain relationships with key clinicians, spokespeople, advocates and opinion leaders
- Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and effective messaging to mitigate risks and maintain trust
- Serve as communications representative or public information officer within Hospital Incident Command System structure
- Develop and oversee internal communication programs to engage employees and providers and align them with organizational goals
- Champion internal culture initiatives that fostered a more inclusive workplace environment
- Lead initiatives such as newsletters, emails, publications, annual reports, screen savers, eboards, videos and other internal/external printed and electronic communication materials to enhance transparency and employee/provider engagement
- Oversee the creative services department to design and produce all printed and electronic material as well as maintain brand standards
- Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels
- Coordinate with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets
- Owner and administrator of Kaleida Health's cloud-based, multimodal internal communications platform, and serve as key contact for our vendor, Firstup
- Implement data-driven processes to track ROI on all communication efforts, enabling continuous improvement of tactics
- Regularly analyze data to identify trends, measure success, and make informed recommendations for improvements
- Optimize email marketing campaigns for improved open rates, click-throughs, and conversions
- Serve as communications liaison with Great Lakes Health partner organizations (ECMC, General Physician, PC, Great Lakes Integrated Network IPA, University at Buffalo, UBMD, and Western New York Urology/Cancer Care WNY, etc.) to ensure consistent messaging across organizations when appropriate
- Support community outreach initiatives and partnerships that promote the healthcare system's mission and services
- Mentor junior staff members, fostering professional development and growth within the communications team
Manager of Corporate & Physician Communication
Kaleida Health
04.2017 - 10.2021
Senior Communications Associate
Kaleida Health
07.2015 - 04.2017
Internal Communications Specialist
Kaleida Health
01.2013 - 07.2015
Assistant Director of Admissions
Daemen University
07.2009 - 12.2012
- Managed the largest territory of private and public schools in Buffalo, NY, Syracuse, NY and the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania, while exceeding recruitment goals each year
- Explained admissions processes, educational programs, financial assistance, and student services to potential students
- Assisted prospective students with admissions by processing paperwork, arranging campus tours and conducting follow-up activities
- Coordinated and participated in campus recruitment events, orientation programs and open houses
- Maintained close communication with admitted students throughout the enrollment process, ensuring a smooth transition into their first year at the university
- Mentored new admissions staff members by sharing best practices from years of experience working within higher education environments
- Evaluated applications using a holistic review process that considered both academic achievements and personal qualities of each applicant, ensuring a diverse incoming class each year
- Worked closely with the Financial Aid Office to develop strategies for assisting applicants in securing funding for their education
Co-chair, Newsletter Committee (Volunteer Role)
NYS Association for College Admission Counseling
05.2010 - 12.2012
- Wrote, solicited and edited articles for newsletter focused on higher education issues in New York State
- Managed budget and prepared committee reports for Executive Board meetings
- Delivered consistent results under tight deadlines through effective time management skills and prioritization techniques
- Organized regular progress meetings with team members to ensure alignment of goals, responsibilities, and expectations
- Assigned tasks and responsibilities to committee members
Education
Master of Science - Executive Leadership and Change
Daemen University
Amherst, NY2013
Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies
Catholic University of America
Washington, DC2009
Skills
- Copywriting, proofreading, editing
- Multimedia storytelling
- Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Acrobat
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Media relations and press releases
- Strategic thinking and communication
- Crisis management and communication
- Mentoring and staff development
Community Engagement
- 2025-present – Grace Guest House Women Who Care Advisory Board Member
- 2023 – Leadership Buffalo, Class of 2023
- 2022-present – Hope Rises Advisory Board Member
- 2022-present – Smallwood Drive School PTA Member
- 2019-present – Lead partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Kaleida Health by coordinating volunteers from Kaleida Health for various projects in Buffalo and Niagara Falls
- 2018-present – Lead partnership with 97 Rock and WKBW 7 ABC to sponsor and host Rock Out Hunger event to benefit FeedMore WNY, which has experienced record-breaking donations since Kaleida Health's participation
- 2015-present – Serve as liaison between United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and Kaleida Health to coordinate annual giving campaigns
- 2014-present – Coordinate holiday wish list to benefit the medically-complex children living full time at HighPointe on Michigan, one of Kaleida Health's long-term care facilities
Timeline
Director of Communications
Kaleida Health
10.2021 - Current
Manager of Corporate & Physician Communication
Kaleida Health
04.2017 - 10.2021
Senior Communications Associate
Kaleida Health
07.2015 - 04.2017
Internal Communications Specialist
Kaleida Health
01.2013 - 07.2015
Co-chair, Newsletter Committee (Volunteer Role)
NYS Association for College Admission Counseling
05.2010 - 12.2012
Assistant Director of Admissions
Daemen University
07.2009 - 12.2012
Master of Science - Executive Leadership and Change
Daemen University
Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies
Catholic University of America
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