My ‘Why’
Building positive cultures through communication
Hi, I’m Brittany! I’m a Director of Public Relations at Elevance Health – a Fortune 25 company.
Truly great brands are more than the products they sell. They are molded by the people whose collective experiences and backgrounds shape their company culture and they aspire to add value to the world. They have a story to tell. I am simply the messenger.
As a healthcare communicator, I work to showcase the stories of pharmacists, physicians and public health advocates who are working to promote affordable, convenient access to healthcare. It is my job to break down their advanced research and complex ideas into digestible communications that are relatable, understandable and actionable. In this space, I also lead communications strategy and message building for company mergers and acquisitions in the pharmacy space, navigate crisis, and manage media issues.
While in academia at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I had the privilege of sharing stories of researchers and students who spent long days in laboratories trying to help patients suffering from today’s incurable diseases. I had the opportunity to encourage students to apply to the best pharmacy school in the country and help attract the world’s brightest minds to our lecterns. I also kept our faculty, staff and students connected via strategic internal communications from leadership.
As a nonprofit communicator, I’ve shared the stories of hundreds of children facing terminal illnesses who managed to tackle each day with joy. I’ve crafted countless stories of researchers focused on drug discovery and development. I’ve fielded media interviews following devastating home fires and hurricanes that ravaged communities.
As a journalist, I’ve captured the story of a high school lacrosse player who was badly burned and fought to get back on the field. I’ve witnessed hundreds of cyclists race to raise funds for organ donations. I’ve told the story of delegates on the floor of the Democratic National Convention, and that of a North Carolina senator trying to better her small hometown.
As a communicator, it is my goal to work with key leaders and collaborators across organizations to build communications plans and messaging that inspires audiences, builds engagement and promotes a positive environment.
Experience
Brand Management
Digital communications
Employee Engagement
Crisis Communication
Media relations
Company Rebranding
Crafting C-Suite Communications
Marketing Strategy
Content Management
Event Oversight
Journalism
Tech Skills
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel hill
Hussman School of Journalism and Media
Master of Arts in Digital Communication. Thesis research developed: “Harnessing Cultural and Emotional Intelligence to Promote Workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Development of a Communicator Training Tool.”
August 2020 - December 2022
Appalachian state university
Graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Communication/Journalism and minor in English.
September 2007 - May 2011
committees and awards
Served on the following committees:
Elevance Health Corporate Communications first Culture Committee (current)
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Strategic Planning Advisory Committee
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Beyond Strategic Plan Engagement Committee, and Advancing Practice Committee
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Wellness Committee
University Research Week Planning Committee
UNC National Security Working Group Subcommittee
Served as yearly guest lecturer in School of Pharmacy’s Leadership and Professional Development course for second-year pharmacy students. Lecture examined ways to harness emotional intelligence when communicating to promote diversity, equity and inclusion among teams.
Yearly Guest lecturer in UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media’s news writing course.
Recipient of four Elevance Health Impact Awards for collaboration and agility.
Recipient of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy 2020 Making the Difference Award for keeping employees engaged and up-to-date during COVID-19.
Contact
Email: brittanysjennings@gmail.com
Phone: 828-275-0121
Address: Raleigh, NC