Board of Directors

James Chisum

Co-President

With nearly two decades of experience in health care marketing, James has been with Orange County-based Miller Geer & Associates since joining the firm as an intern while earning his degree in communications with emphasis in advertising and consumer behavior from California State University, Fullerton. As VP of the boutique health care public relations agency, he has worked for some of the largest health care organizations in the US, and has led teams in all sectors, from hospitals, health systems and health insurers, to medical technology, pharmaceuticals and advocacy groups. Possessing a strong passion for all things healthcare communications-related, James recently served as a board member and digital communications co-chair for the Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Association (HPRMA). He has also volunteered with the American Red Cross Orange County Chapter as a rotating Public Information Officer. When not chasing a headline or putting out a fire, he enjoys wrangling his three kids, lounging at the beach and finding other excuses to avoid honey-dos around the house.


Jody Schneider

Co-President

Jody Schneider is an award-winning public relations professional with significant experience in strategic marketing and media relations. Long standing leadership position with San Diego’s largest PR agency, along with independent consulting work has allowed her the opportunity to execute campaigns within B2B, lifestyle, hospitality, and nonprofit industries. As Associate Manager, Public Relations at the accredited, specialty laboratory, Millennium Health, Schneider oversees all public relations and social media efforts, in addition to developing and maintaining the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. She has served on numerous nonprofit Boards of Directors, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition to her role as co-president of the HCCSC, she is currently the Volunteer Recognition Coordinator for the Healthcare Businesswoman’s Association.

Arika Daniels

Treasurer

Arika Daniels the co-founder of Scatena Daniels a full-service, integrated communications agency and PR firm providing local, regional and national strategic campaigns for the healthcare, professional service and philanthropy industries. When she is not putting out PR fires or singing her clients’ praises, she can be found shuttling her three kids around for their extracurricular activities, wine tasting with her husband in Paso Robles or getting her blood flowing at the gym. 

Sandra De La Torre

Secretary

Sandra is currently the Communications Specialist at San Ysidro Health. Here, she helps amplify San Ysidro Health’s reach through external and internal communications efforts in order to accomplish the organization’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves with access for all. Previously, she worked with a number of nonprofit organizations and clients in the music, theatre, arts, health and social services and lifestyle arenas as an Account Executive at Scatena Daniels Communications. When Sandra isn’t working she can be found catching up on a book, cooking, learning how to make drinks or doing her favorite working class.


Poolak Forutanpour

Scholarship Chair

Poolak Forutanpour has more than 15 years of internet marketing experience managing affiliate programs in various industries such as mortgage, insurance, pet supply and ink and toner products. She earned her Master in English Literature and published her first novelette in 2017 titled, “Stories I Left Behind.” It depicts her life growing up in California as a first generation Iranian-American in the mid-80s and how her life was shaped through the influence of her mother, a Registered Nurse. Poolak enjoys reading, going to the gym and spending time with her husband and boy/girl twins. 


Maggie Habib

Sponsorship/Partnership Director


With more than two decades of expertise, Maggie and her team at mPR focus on developing and deploying communications programs for healthcare companies -- from providers and payers to digital health and pharma. Prior, she held leadership roles with global agencies Grayling and Citizen Relations. She also spent several years with Korn Ferry, where she led communications for its healthcare practice. She launched her PR career with BCW.  Maggie graduated magna cum laude from the USC. She spends her free time at country concerts, with her family at the beach, and scuba diving. 

Julieun Kawasaki

Website Chair

With nearly 20 years of marketing leadership experience, Julieun excels in developing, launching, and expanding health, retail, and environmental brands across DTC, B2C, and B2B markets. She has a proven track record of creating high-performing content and driving impactful campaigns through both digital and traditional media channels.

Julieun’s expertise spans data-driven strategies, leveraging KPIs, market demographics, and best practices across all platforms to attract millions of customers. Her diverse client portfolio includes prominent brands such as Western Dental & Orthodontics, Brident, DentalWorks, US HealthWorks (now part of Concentra), Sprouts, Target, Nike, Nordstrom, and The Cheesecake Factory. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, Anderson School of Management).


Jennifer Baskerville
Membership Chair

Jennifer is a communications consultant with nearly 25 years of expertise, specializing in media relations, crisis communications, and media training. She has designed and executed integrated communications campaigns for clients across industries like biotech, healthcare, nonprofits, financial services, and technology. Her notable clients include The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Prosperity Now, CDC, HCA, APIC, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Jennifer has secured extensive media coverage for her clients on platforms such as 20/20, The Today Show, CNN, National Geographic, The New York Times, and Bloomberg, among others. Leveraging her newsroom experience, Jennifer helps clients tell compelling stories that resonate and deliver results. As an Emmy-winning former CNN producer, she brings significant media insights to her work, guiding clients in handling the media effectively. Jennifer graduated magna cum laude from James Madison University.


Kirk McDonald

Finest and Logistics Chair


Kirk has over 20 years experience as an award-winning copywriter and marketing professional, having worked with hospitals, healthcare organizations, government agencies and tech companies. He is also a former president and board member of the Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Associating (HPRMA). Outside of the health care world, Kirk has mentored and trained over 1,500 people to complete their first marathon at Walt Disney World - upright and injury-free! - working alongside a former Olympian Jeff Galloway and other experienced marathoners, and has completed the WDW marathon twice. Kirk spends a fair amount of time hiking throughout San Diego, experiencing healthy eateries with his girlfriend, and collecting a ridiculous amount of PEZ dispensers



Erin McHenry

Events Director

Erin McHenry has more than 35 years of experience in communications. She is an award-winning writer and public relations professional who is passionate about health care. Throughout her career, Erin has enjoyed a variety of creative roles, from New York fashion editor right out of school to hospital publicist and nonprofit fundraiser, and more recently, she has returned to health care communications. Making a difference is very important to her and in her current role with CalOptima Health as Manager of Communications, she finds great meaning in working for an organization that offers affordable health care and services to the most vulnerable members of the community. Erin has two children in their twenties and her greatest joy is watching them follow their dreams.  



Andrew Werts

Nonprofit Incorporation & SHSMD Affiliate Director

Andrew received his BA in Psychology from Gettysburg College and his MSBA from San Francisco State University. Andrew has spent the last 15 years of his career working in the marketing and advertising field and is currently the Director of Marketing and Communications at Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance and San Pedro Medical Centers. Andrew is also on the executive leadership counsel for the American Heart Association in the South Bay. He is a long time South Bay resident and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Christina Campo

Past-President & Advisor

Christina has more than 20 years experience in the medical field. Currently she is the product manager and administrator for SalesForce products at Scripps Health. She previously held a role as project manager for health care marketing campaigns and data analysis during her time with Scripps. Christina is passionate about classic cars, good wine and meditation. 

Vacant

Vice President, Communications Liaison


Health Care Communicators of Southern California
5694 Mission Center Road, Ste 602-310, San Diego, CA 92108-4312

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