Rose A. Lewis
Needham Heights,MA
Summary
Award-winning communications strategist and storyteller with 15+ years of experience shaping brand, media, and digital strategy for healthcare and technology organizations. Trusted advisor to senior leadership, known for strengthening brand reputation, leading crisis response, and building thought leadership platforms that drive engagement and growth. Combines journalism roots with C-suite leadership to amplify voices, modernize messaging, and inspire trust.
Overview
48
48
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Brand Communications and Media Relations
Clarify Health
San Francisco, CA
11.2022 - 02.2025
- Directed an enterprise-wide rebrand, aligning messaging across business lines; strengthened visibility and market differentiation, contributing to a 10% revenue growth.
- Produced multi-channel storytelling campaigns resulting in placement in top tier and trade publications s—boosting share of voice and reducing churn by 9%.
- Represented the organization at industry events, conferences, and public meetings.
- Promoted a culture of innovation and encouraged staff to contribute ideas.
- Analyzed data to inform decision-making and strategic direction.
- Negotiated agreements with external partners such as contractors or consultants.
- Launched Clarify Health’s first podcast and video strategy, increasing LinkedIn engagement by 20%.
- Served as media coach and writer for C-suite; secured consistent top-tier coverage in healthcare, trade and business media.
- Transitioned PR operations in-house, increasing coverage while cutting external agency spend by 65%.
Executive Director, Marketing Communications
UMass Chan Medical School / Commonwealth Medicine
Shrewsbury, MA
09.2019 - 07.2022
- Led internal and external communications for the consulting division, guiding brand repositioning and strategic messaging.
- Developed communication plans supporting a fully remote workforce during COVID; improved alignment and morale, contributing to a 35% improvement in negative margin variance.
- Oversaw all communications from the Executive Vice Chancellor’s office, including reports, speeches, and town halls.
- Managed volunteer recruitment communications for COVID clinics in Massachusetts.
- Directed crisis communications with a rapid media response informed by journalism experience.
Director of Public Relations, Writer & Producer
Rosebud Communications
Needham, MA
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Delivered strategic PR, media, and storytelling for healthcare, nonprofit, legal, and biotech clients.
- Produced major video for Education Development Center used in national fundraising, achieving 10% of goal.
- Redesigned Mass 911 Fund website and launched its first social media presence, expanding national reach.
Director of Public Relations
GeneDX (formerly Sema4 Genomics)
Stamford, CT
03.2017 - 09.2017
- Headed communications for the company launch, positioning this new company as a leader in precision health; secured coverage in The New York Times, WSJ, Forbes, and NBC Nightly News.
Senior Director, Communications – New England
American Cancer Society
Framingham, MA
07.2015 - 03.2016
- Directed the communications strategy across six states; supported awareness and fundraising campaigns through media partnerships and regional storytelling.
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
Needham, MA
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Spearheaded the hospital rebrand and communications for a $30M hospital expansion, increasing service volume by up to 32% and fundraising by 15%.
- Produced award-winning Pulse magazine and patient storytelling campaigns that boosted community engagement and brand loyalty.
- Developed comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Coordinated public relations efforts to build strong community relationships and partnerships.
- Oversaw production of promotional materials, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines.
- Developed and executed marketing campaigns to promote products and services.
- Maintained relationships with media contacts by providing timely updates on company activities or initiatives.
- Conducted market research to identify customer trends and preferences.
Manager, Media Relations
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Burlington, MA
04.2002 - 01.2008
Television News & Special Projects Producer
WCVB-TV, Channel 5
Needham, MA
12.1983 - 04.2002
Still Photographer
Lawrence Eagle-Tribune
North Andover, MA
06.1977 - 06.1982
Education
M.S. - Journalism
Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism
Evanston, ILB.A. - Psychology & Photo History
University of Rochester
Rochester, NYSkills
- Brand Development
- Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Team Leadership
- Executive Coaching
- Video & Podcast Producer
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- New York Times bestselling author of four children’s books; recipient of national literary and communications awards.
- Honored by National Healthcare Advertising Awards for excellence in storytelling and brand communications.
- Mentor, Poynter-Koch Media & Journalism Fellowship; Board Member, The Wellness Community and Needham Business Association.
Timeline
Director, Brand Communications and Media Relations
Clarify Health
11.2022 - 02.2025
Executive Director, Marketing Communications
UMass Chan Medical School / Commonwealth Medicine
09.2019 - 07.2022
Director of Public Relations, Writer & Producer
Rosebud Communications
09.2017 - 09.2019
Director of Public Relations
GeneDX (formerly Sema4 Genomics)
03.2017 - 09.2017
Senior Director, Communications – New England
American Cancer Society
07.2015 - 03.2016
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
01.2008 - 01.2015
Manager, Media Relations
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
04.2002 - 01.2008
Television News & Special Projects Producer
WCVB-TV, Channel 5
12.1983 - 04.2002
Still Photographer
Lawrence Eagle-Tribune
06.1977 - 06.1982
M.S. - Journalism
Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism
B.A. - Psychology & Photo History
University of Rochester