Communications & Marketing Leader | Amplifying Impactful Narratives | Driving Outcomes | Fueling Demand Generation
[connect. engage. collaborate. repeat.]
‘Embracing an impactful marcom approach to demand generation’
Throughout my career, I’ve orchestrated highly successful marcom strategies for a diverse range of organizations: public, private, and non-profit alike.
In collaboration with MANY extremely talented individuals and diverse teams, our work has contributed to the success of:
start-ups (5),
product launches,
turnarounds,
crisis management,
public offerings,
brand re-positioning,
organic growth,
market share shifts,
legislative change,
advisory boards,
and philanthropy.
I’ve also provided integrated marcom strategies that have significantly influenced sales in the pharmaceutical and managed care industries.
My portfolio provides examples of my work and testimonials from many of the employers, clients, and peers that I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating and competing with over the years.
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[connect. engage. collaborate. repeat.]
Here’s an article I published highlighting a career of successful marcom strategy, integrating communications, digital & content marketing, media & public relations, social media and networking…
Patrick Quinlan, MD, MHA, CEO & Co-Founder, Hippo Technologies, Inc./Lead Director, Chairman Organization & Compensation Committee, Pan-American Life Insurance Group (former CEO of Ochsner Health)
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Brian P. Keller, SVP/ Chief Marketing Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
As Chief Communications Officer for STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action, I’m privileged to lead integrated communications and marketing strategy to build brand, awareness and demand generation for this vital mission.
The mission of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action is to expose, engage, and inspire future innovators, creators, makers and entrepreneurs through STEM-based activities and to opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
CLICK the image to the left for highlights and the button below for more information about STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action.
Photography by Kevin Perrilliat. Video by Brett Rosenbach.
‘Harnessing the Power of Authenticity in Healthcare Marketing’ - Micro-influencers and constituents, like those that contributed to 126K members and an astounding decrease in Louisiana’s smoking rate, have an innate passion for the causes they champion, whether it's smoking cessation, Alzheimer’s, health insurance, public health, Special Olympics, or access to quality healthcare.
Julie Morial, MD, MPH, FACP, Original Trustee/Advisor, The Smoking Cessation Trust (former Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Community Plan of Louisiana/Corporate Market Medical Director, Peoples Health/Medical Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana)
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Mike Rogers, MHCM, former CEO, Smoking Cessation Trust, (former President, Aetna Health Plans of Louisiana)
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Mark Gentry, Owner/Managing Member, Gentry Consulting, LLC, (former Director of Corporate Project & Business Systems Integration, Humana, and Corporate Project Manager, Ochsner Health Plan)
Thank you, Orleans Parish Medical Society (OPMS), for the chance to contribute to your mission to improve health and the practice of healthcare.
Among our many accomplishments between 2017 and 2020, OPMS advocated at the Louisiana State Capitol for Tobacco 21 legislation and public health safety through external affairs, government relations, public affairs, and public policy activity.
Collaborative COVID-19 digital communications efforts between physicians, hospitals and health systems enhanced patient awareness and engagement, while elevating thought leadership throughout the pandemic. For the first 90 days of the pandemic, OPMS and Jefferson Parish Medical Society conducted weekly informational Zoom calls with 1,700 physicians.
This article documents three years of tremendous success…
Jodi Schwing, Practice Manager, New Orleans Nephrology Associates (former Chief Operating Officer, Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana/Executive Director, Jefferson Parish Medical Society).
The crucial role of Tobacco 21 legislation in curbing nicotine addiction and reducing Louisiana’s smoking rate — and how we got there. Dr. Juan Gershanik and I (pictured) advocated for and testified at the Louisiana State Capital to help eventually pass the important bill.
‘House panel OKs bill to raise Louisiana smoking age to 21’
“Jim Pittman, spokesman for the Louisiana Smoking Cessation Trust, said Louisiana's adult smoking rate is among the highest in the nation at 22.8 percent compared to the national average of 14 percent.”
Click on the “Earned Media” tab for more examples.
I’ve served on:
the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and
the Louisiana Advocacy Leadership Committee for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
I now serve as an Advocate for the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM). Here’s a link to an article about advocating for reauthorizing The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) and to support bipartisan legislation crucial for advancing Alzheimer’s treatment and care across Louisiana: Advocating for those impacted by Alzheimer's Disease.
I recently successfully advocated at the Louisiana State Capital for Senate Bill 46, a crucial bill that establishes the Louisiana Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Advisory Council. This council will ensure that Alzheimer’s and related dementias remain a top public health priority in Louisiana.
Here’s a letter to the editor addressing the urgent need to renew critical legislation:
Here’s an article I published on April 29, 2024, about advocates, caregivers, policymakers, and leaders converging at the State Capitol for Alzheimer's Advocacy Day, marked by progress on Senate Bill 46 and personal testimonies:
‘Louisiana Unites in Advocacy: A Day of Determination for Alzheimer’s Awareness’
Juan Gershanik, MD, former President, Orleans Parish Medical Society; Medical Director, West Jefferson Medical Center NICU
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Tatiana Gonzalez Quiroga, Public Policy Director at Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter
Dino Paternostro, CEcD, President, LegisLink
This article highlights the integration of content marketing, social media, testimonials and micro-influencers in the launch of the NEW Ochsner Health Plan.
Their testimonials and stories were shared consistently on our website and social media pages that I had developed, managed, and maintained on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram platforms — generating 3,357 followers in under two years.
As Medicare Advantage plans experience increasingly diminished ROI from direct response advertising, organic communications strategy generated 20% of the NEW OHP’s total membership at a 53.6% conversion rate (leads/enrollments) -- all at ZERO COST to the advertising budget.
(photography by Ron Calamia, Ron Calamia Photography)
Ron Calamia, Owner, Ron Calamia Photography
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Gary Prechter, Sales Director, new Ochsner Health Plan (former Sales Manager for the original Ochsner Health Plan).
This was a series of compelling, impactful, and highly successful Ochsner Health Plan (OHP) print ads — and essential elements of an award-winning campaign that contributed to:
a 28% market share increase,
a 100% increase in brand awareness, generating 76K phone calls,
30K qualified leads and 14K approved applications,
propelling OHP’s brand and membership to over 136K.
Throughout this time period, OHP’s Total Health 65 became Louisiana’s largest, most successful Medicare plan. A few years prior, it was also my absolute pleasure to provide integrated marketing communications and branding strategy in the launch of Louisiana’s first Medicare health plan.
Honors and awards:
OHP was named New Orleans City Business #1 Top Private Company for three consecutive years leading up to its sale to Humana.
Our CEO was featured on the cover of Managed Care Executive, “Winning The Battle Of The Bayou”
I received the Advertising Person of The Year: Marketing Director award by the Advertising Club of New Orleans.
In 2006, I was recruited to implement OHP’s innovative direct response marketing strategy at Tenet Choices 65 — later branded as Peoples Health.
(designed by Fred Peer and The Peer Group Advertising & Communications. Ron Calamia provided amazing photography for this campaign.)
George Renaudin, President, Medicare and Medicaid, Humana (former Senior Vice President of Administration, Ochsner Health Plan)
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Hassan Rifaat, CEO, Vatica Health (former Regional CEO, Humana)
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Fred Peer, Owner, N.O. Brew Iced Coffee (formerly Owner/Creative Director, The Peer Group Advertising & Communications)
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Julie Puyau, Strategic Account Manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (former Director of Account Management, Ochsner Health Plan)
This series of print ads launched a new product for the original Ochsner Health Plan -- KidsFirst. This HMO was designed specifically to address the healthcare needs of children. We integrated preventive health education and screenings with a relationship with Ochsner Health System pediatricians and other participating provider pediatricians.
We also launched a Medicare Supplement to go along with OHP’s Total Health 65 which was then the first and largest Medicare plan in Louisiana — with 40K members.
I also played an important marketing strategy and sales compliance role in the launch of AstraZeneca’s Nexium product and others as Senior Field Promotions Manager.
(designed by Fred Peer and The Peer Group Advertising & Communications)
Christi Alexander, Digital Experience Manager, First Horizon Bank (former Marketing Manager, Ochsner Health Plan)
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Rose Young, former Chief Legal Counsel, Ochsner Health Plan
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Mary Armstrong, Vice President of Managed Care at Ochsner Health System
I’m humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as the new Chair for the Louisiana Chapter Board of Excellence alongside Courtney Gerald Elkins. The mission and vision of the Alzheimer's Association® hold a special place in my heart, and I am eager to work hand in hand with Delores Hurst, MMC, Courtney, my fellow Board members, and the dedicated Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter team.
Together, we will continue our relentless efforts to support patients and caregivers impacted by Alzheimer’s, and to contribute to the fight to #ENDALZ. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and Courtney and look forward to contributing to the growth of the Louisiana Chapter’s strategic goals.
I’ve also served on the Board for Louisiana Special Olympics and on the School Board of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
(photo by Joan Gogreve)
John Guzzardo, President, Special Olympics Louisiana
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Delores Hurst, MMC, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Assocation, Louisiana Chapter
‘A Beacon Of Hope in Alabama: Franklin Primary Health Center’ — On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, I experienced first-hand the mission and ministry of Franklin Primary Health Center in Southwest Alabama.
As a consultant, I recently provided organic content marketing and social media management for this outstanding non-profit organization and their wonderful mission.
Click the “Learn More” button for an article I wrote about Franklin Primary Health Center.
Over the years, I have also provided integrated marketing communications services for:
the Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic Charities (GNO Pace Program),
the Daughters of Charity Health System,
Access Health,
and Options For Independence.
(photo by hack photographer Jim Pittman)
Gordon Wadge, President & CEO, YMCA New Orleans (former President & CEO, Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic Charities).
‘My Visit To SafeSource Direct: A Louisiana company protecting our nation’s frontline healthcare workers with American-made PPE’. Check out my blog about this wonderful company with an outstanding mission.
You will find this and over 100 other articles that I have published on LinkedIn, including these:
The importance of Louisiana's Tobacco 21 legislation for our youth, ‘The Crucial Role of Tobacco 21 Legislation in Curbing Nicotine Addiction and Louisiana's Battle for Health’;
Lloyd Crochet, one of the NEW Ochsner Health Plan’s first members, ‘At age 74, Lloyd Crochet of Harahan, LA, set out on the adventure of a lifetime.’;
my best friend’s amazing artistry, ‘My childhood buddy -- an artist beyond compare’ and
‘Capturing the soul of NOLA through his lens’, an article about and exploration of the artistry and passion of a phenomenal photographer, Ron Calamia, who has been capturing the essence of New Orleans and Louisiana for over two decades.
‘NOLA physicians and patients stay connected throughout the pandemic.’;
Celebrating the legendary Orioles icon who inspired generations of baseball fans and players, ‘Remembering Brooks Robinson: A tribute to #5, my Hall of Fame HERO’;
(photo by hack photographer Jim Pittman)
Elmore F. Rigamer, MD, MPA, Consultant Psychiatrist, Mercy Family Health Center and Baptist Community Health Services
This is a testimonial print ad campaign for Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO). Their mission is to drive Jefferson Parish's economy forward by retaining and creating jobs, entrepreneurship and investment.
The campaign also featured a JEDCO promotional brochure titled ‘JEDCO: Vision Meets Opportunity’.
Design by Gallinghouse & Associates.
Jerry Bologna, CEcD, President & CEO, Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO).
With over two decades dedicated to community outreach, public affairs, and public speaking, I've been the voice behind healthcare and non-profit organizations, championing missions, causes, and health & wellness.
As Director of Medicare Advantage Communications for the NEW Ochsner Health Plan, I curated and led 38 impactful Health & Wellness seminars across Southeast Louisiana throughout the first eight months of 2023, empowering senior communities through insightful engagements, education and awareness.
As Medicare Advantage plans experience increasingly diminished ROI from direct response advertising, organic communications strategy generated 20% of total membership at a 53.6% conversion rate (leads/enrollments) -- at ZERO COST to the advertising budget.
My expertise extends to organizing events, crafting speeches and presentations for esteemed leaders, including:
Presidents,
CEOs,
Medical Directors,
the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, and
the Archbishop of New Orleans.
My commitment lies in leveraging communication to drive positive change, foster education, and advocate for healthier communities.
Ann Kay Logarbo, MD, FAAP, CMO, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana (former Medical Director of Ochsner Health Plan)
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Julie Desselle, PMP, Senior Project Manager, Ochsner Health Plan (formerly Manager, Market Research & Sales Support at the original Ochsner Health Plan)
In my role as a start-up consultant and later a full-time Director of Medicare Advantage Communications, I was given the opportunity to lead the development of the NEW Ochsner Health Plan’s website. This involved strategic planning, project management, writing copy, and overseeing the efforts of website gurus who are much smarter than I. In fact, between March 2021 and August 2023, we developed two versions of the website — ensuring CMS compliance and user friendliness.
OchsnerHealthPlan.com generated an astounding 65K unique visitors from 10/1/21 - 8/31/23. As Medicare Advantage plans experience increasingly diminished ROI from direct response advertising, organic communications strategy generated 20% of total membership at a 53.6% conversion rate (leads/enrollments) -- at ZERO COST to the advertising budget.
(Scott Ott Creative, Inc., and John Barousse deserve the credit for all technical and design updates since 8/31/23)
Visit: www.OchsnerHealthPlan.com.
Earlier in my career, I did the same for the original Ochsner Health Plan. (That site was branded as “OHPnow.com”).
Scott Ott, Creative Director, Scott Ott Creative Inc.
I had the pleasure of serving as the news media spokesperson for the Smoking Cessation Trust, appearing often on local television news programs and talk radio. These many appearances and their subsequent links on social media platforms contributed significantly to enrolling over 126K smokers, reducing Louisiana’s smoking rate from 24.8% to 18.3%, and advocating for Tobacco 21 legislation and a Smoke-Free Louisiana.
‘House panel OKs bill to raise Louisiana smoking age to 21’
“Jim Pittman, spokesman for the Louisiana Smoking Cessation Trust, said Louisiana's adult smoking rate is among the highest in the nation at 22.8 percent compared to the national average of 14 percent.”
Click the “Learn More” button below for links to live TV appearances, a pandemic PSA that I produced with Dr. Juan Gershanik, president of Orleans Parish Medical Society, and one of several letters to the editor of The Advocate/Times Picayune.
This article pulled directly from the press release that I had written and help to distribute about Ochsner Health’s launch of the NEW Ochsner Health Plan ran in local and national news media publications.
‘Introducing the new Ochsner Health Plan -- offering Medicare Advantage!*
During my tenure as the Executive Director of the Orleans Parish Medical Society (OPMS), I had the privilege of collaborating with the presidents of OPMS and the Jefferson Parish Medical Society (JPMS) on several articles, as well as writing independently about their missions and achievements. Both organizations played on important role in informing and education the area’s physician population and the community throughout the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I also helped OPMS and JPMS with the launch of the Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana (MASELA).
Click the “Learn More” button below for a link to articles published in the Healthcare Journal of New Orleans.
I wrote three articles published nationally in GetSetUp. GetSetUp shares real stories of real people, living their best lives. They highlight empowered people, learning opportunities for older adults, and key insights on aging so our community can use new knowledge to live healthier and happier lives.
Ann Wills, Principal, Ann Wills Public Relations, LLC
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Mary Mouton, President, Mouton Media (contributed to the success of the original Ochsner Health Plan)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission’s Annual Report - In addition to my work on a testimonial ad campaign and in the launch of their business incubator, I was given the honor of writing and overseeing the design (by Gallinghouse & Associates) of JEDCO’s 2011 Annual Report.
Click the link below to view the Annual Report…
One particularly impactful project that I am extremely proud of involved grass roots marketing, earned media, public and community affairs, and communications initiatives in collaboration with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOL). Together, we played a vital role in the launch of St. Bernard Parish Hospital, which now operates under the leadership of Ochsner Health. This endeavor brought quality healthcare and peace-of-mind back to a proud community that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
I orchestrated all community and media relations, marketing, internal and external communications, social media and website development, and business development throughout start-up and leading up to a successful launch.
Tim Burke, CEO, PAM Health Specialty Hospital (former CEO St. Bernard Parish Hospital as an Assigned Executive, Management Services, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System)
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Kim Gritter, Public Information Officer, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office (former Communications Manager, St. Bernard Parish Hospital, and Writer/Reporter, The Times Picayune)
This was a successful and very special fundraiser to help family and friends impacted by the Arabi, Louisiana, tornado get back on their feet.
The event featured strategic planning, content development, branding, social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram), online giving platforms, t-shirts, drawings, live bands — all contributing to this worthy cause.
The “Learn More” link will provide you with details about ‘JoyFest - A tornado of love’.
I have served on the 2022 and 2023 NOLA Walk To End Alzheimer’s Committees and as a Team Captain both years. To-date, my fundraising efforts have included content development and social media engagement, generating over $10K for the important mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Click this link to find our more about my 2023 Alzheimer’s fundraising efforts: Jim Pittman’s 2023 Walk To End Alzheimer’s Page.
I absolutely relish the opportunity to leverage my skills as an integrated marketing communications professional to serve as a catalyst for philanthropic and fundraising campaigns. I’m especially proud of the impact provided in throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ successful $23 million endowment campaign for Catholic Schools.
(‘JoyFest - A tornado of love’ logo created pro-bono by Pat McGuinness, Trumpet)
Pat McGuinness, Founding Partner, Trumpet Advertising
Inspirational videos, produced and directed by a couple of extremely talented artists (Liz Dunnbacke and Tania Castellanos), served as a catalyst in convincing 126K Louisiana smokers to call it QUITS — with help from the Smoking Cessation Trust (SCT). Local television stations were kind enough to place them as PSA’s (no charge) whenever possible. I shared them often on the SCT website and as hyperlinks within other content on multiple social media platforms with 12.3K micro-influencers.
I developed, managed and maintained social media pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter platforms - consistently posting helpful content related to cessation, the harmful impacts of cigarette smoke and nicotine addiction, and these impactful testimonials.
This organic testimonial campaign built awareness and demand generation, helping to convince 126K smokers to enroll in the program.
We achieved this remarkable accomplishment with zero paid advertising. Louisiana went from being ranked 50th in the U.S. in smoking to 44th. Our smoking rate plummeted from 24.8% to 18.3%, while contributing to the approval of Tobacco 21 legislation.
The power of video content has always been a passion of mine. As a Communications Major, I served as a director for UNO Video Productions, host of UNO’s Campus Closeups (a video news magazine, where I also wrote and directed several segments), and conducted my internship at WDSU-TV News.
Click the “Learn More” video to view Lillian Woods’ testimonial.
I had the pleasure of working with the leadership team of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and Gallinghouse & Associates on this marketing brochure. The brochure features testimonials from startups and established companies that have benefitted from JEDCO's services.
Click the “Learn More” button for a flip-book version of this marketing brochure…
I’m comfortable addressing health causes and missions on live talk radio. The photo on the right features one of my many live radio appearances with award-winning broadcast journalist Monica Pierre of Entercom New Orleans. I served as media spokesperson for the Smoking Cessation Trust.
I also helped to produce 'Real Help For Real People', a live public service talk-radio program (every Wednesday from 2 PM - 3 PM, on WBOK 1230-AM). The show featured representatives from the Smoking Cessation Trust providing information and tips to help smokers kick the habit.
'Real Help For Real People' was co-hosted by Isaac Netters of WBOK 1230-AM and Mike Rogers, CEO, Smoking Cessation Trust. It featured special guests every week who shared in the mission of helping Louisiana residents quit smoking for good. When not assisting with production, I often appeared as a guest-host.
Check out my LinkedIn profile for details about my experience and accomplishments as an integrated marketing communications leader — including results, endorsements & recommendations, over 120 published articles, and more examples of my demand generation and advocacy work.
Connect and engage with me on LinkedIn and let’s collaborate on shared missions, visions and causes…
Greg Hanson, National Long Term Care Account Executive, Jazz Pharmaceuticals - Rare Disease (former Executive Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals)
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Julie Vicknair, Associate Director Pull Through Payer Access, Bayer Pharmaceuticals (former National Account Director, AstraZeneca)
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Tiffany Tandeki, Director of Location Development, HOTWORX (former Marketing Director, Peoples Health)
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Suzanne Whitaker, Government Affairs Director, NOMAR New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (former Assistant Vice President of Communications, Peoples Health)
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Wil Ritchie, VP of Business Development, Bloom Insurance | Healthcare Strategy and Business Development (former District Sales Manager, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals)
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Edward Ross, MBA, Member Board Of Directors at Greenwood Cultural Center Inc. (former Regional Sales Director - Oncology, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals)
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Shawn McKee, Marketing Manager, Peoples Health
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Jim McHaney, Healthcare Marketing Consultant / Interim Management (worked with Jim McHaney on two health plan startups with Beam Partners)
writing & development
In addition to integrated marketing communications strategy, I offer tailored services: crafting LinkedIn profiles and resumes that elevate professional brands.
With expertise in leveraging networks, organic marketing, and demand generation, I understand the necessity of standing out online. Whether you're seeking your dream role, attracting clients, or refining your image, I'm here to help make it happen.
With a focus on online engagement and digital marketing, I'm dedicated to maximizing your online presence. Let's collaborate to create a profile and/or resume that resonates with your audience.
20% discount for former Ochsner Health employees who lost jobs at Ochsner on or after May 11, 2023.
Email me directly at jim@pittmarketingllc.com.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter or contact me directly through email: jim@pittmarketingllc.com.