Award-Winning Strategist Joins Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc.

Former Saint Thomas CMO Brings Deep Experience to Fast-Growing Firm

Rebecca Climer, Of Counsel, Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc. (Photo: Business Wire)

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. & CHICAGO--()--Acclaimed veteran healthcare communications executive Rebecca Climer has joined Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc. as an of-counsel advisor, the nation’s tenth largest healthcare communications and engagement firm announced today.

Climer recently retired as chief communications and marketing officer for Saint Thomas Health, Ascension’s Tennessee Ministry, after 36 years with the faith-based health system.

“Our firm is designed to bring together extraordinary professionals who can use their experience and skills to make healthcare better,” said David Jarrard, president and CEO of the strategic healthcare communications firm. “Rebecca is a long-time friend and industry leader who deepens and strengthens our bench.”

At Saint Thomas Health, Climer was responsible for administration of all communications efforts for the nine-hospital system including budgeting and planning, marketing, internal and external communications, digital media platforms and brand and reputation management. In initiating the role, Climer consolidated all communications efforts at the system level, led the rebranding effort for the system and oversaw the development of the “Nothing Shall Be Impossible” communication platform that received more than 30 local, regional and national awards for healthcare advertising.

“This is the best team for helping health system leaders tackle their thorniest problems,” Climer said. “Change is rapid and the stakes are high for communicators in healthcare, so I am proud to join what I consider the most effective and talented team there is.”

Climer began her career in 1980 as staff development director for Middle Tennessee Medical Center, now Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. While at that facility, she took on increasingly responsible roles including oversight of physician relations, patient satisfaction and strategic planning. In 2002, when the former Saint Thomas Hospital acquired the Baptist Health system, Climer was named vice president of marketing and strategy for the newly formed Saint Thomas Health Services. She was named chief communications officer in 2005.

Her dedication to community service has been extensive: She is a member of the Executive Leadership Team of the American Heart Association, a former president of the Murfreesboro Junior League and has served on boards of the Greater Nashville Council on Aging and Rutherford CABLE.

About Jarrard Inc.

With offices in Nashville, Tenn. and Chicago, Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc. is a U.S. top 10 strategic communications and engagement firm for the nation’s leading healthcare providers experiencing significant change, challenge or opportunity. Founded in 2006, the firm has worked with more than 300 clients in over 40 states and served as a communications advisor on more than $35 billion in announced M&A and partnership transaction communications. A proven strategy leader, Jarrard Inc. delivers tightly focused issue management campaigns and long-term transformational initiatives designed to advance healthcare providers’ most important goals. As a member of The Advisory Board, the firm is also part of a collaborative effort to elevate performance and solve some of healthcare’s most pressing issues. For more information, visit jarrardinc.com or follow us @JarrardInc.

Contacts

Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc.
Walker Duncan, 615-254-0575
wduncan@jarrardinc.com

Contacts

Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc.
Walker Duncan, 615-254-0575
wduncan@jarrardinc.com