Experience

KEITH ECKERT COMMUNICATIONS, Ridley Park, Pa.

Principal

Helping organizations use communications and marketing to build brand, support growth and manage change. Providing consulting, strategic planning, writing, editing and proofing services.

  • Wrote and edited health care blogs using search engine optimization (SEO) parameters.
  • Principal researcher and writer for heart health publication going to 410,000 homes.
  • Wrote and edited press releases, internal communications, speeches, ads, and presentations.
  • Assisted in developing the name and marketing materials for a clinically integrated network (CIN).

CGFNS INTERNATIONAL, Philadelphia, Pa.                                         2016 to 2017

Director, Marketing and Communications

Responsible for marketing communications, media relations, brand management, Web content and internal communications for the world’s leading nurse credential evaluation organization. Managed a staff of one person.

  • Rolled out email marketing plan for eSAVED product that garnered more than $100,000 in sales.
  • Assisted in development of an improved online payment system for applicants.

COMCAST, Philadelphia, Pa.

Director, Employee Communications  
2014 to 2016

Responsible for all internal communications reaching more than 30,000 Field Operations staff across the United States.

  • Part of a team that developed an iOS application that, for the first time, brought communications directly to more than 20,000 mobile employees across the country.
  • Developed, produced and distributed videos in support of a wide range of new strategic initiatives.

Manager, Employee Communications  
2012 to 2014

Responsible for the newsletter reaching more than 30,000 Field Operations staff across the United States with technical and job-related information.

  • Developed and introduced the unit’s first-ever internal brand and communications strategy.
  • Implemented a multi-pronged communications plan for the Field Operations area using e-mail and the intranet to reach directly to technicians, managers and senior management across all regions and units.

AMERIHEALTH MERCY FAMILY OF COMPANIES, Philadelphia, Pa.    

Associate Vice President, Corporate Communications 
2009 to 2011

Responsible for media relations, internal communications, external communications, and Web content for the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, a national Medicaid managed care company. Managed a staff of seven people.

  • Led the internal and external crisis communications strategy when the possible loss of 100,000 members due to the end of two major hospital contracts became public. Responsibilities included strategy development, messaging, media interaction and executive coaching. Efforts resulted in accurate, balanced coverage in the news.
  • Led media relations efforts that helped secure adequate funding for Medicaid program during state’s 2009 budget crisis. Activities included strategic planning, messaging, op-ed writing and placement, working with vendors, and editorial board visits.

Director, Corporate Communications 
2008 to 2009

Supported the marketing communications and media relations needs of AmeriHealth Mercy’s Pennsylvania managed care plans, Keystone Mercy Health Plan and AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan, plus national media outreach for the organization’s signature programs.

  • Eliminated duplicate communications and addressed inconsistent branding and messaging by creating and leading an ongoing cross-functional team to coordinate external communications to members, health care providers, legislators and key stakeholders.
  • Supported company’s branding and marketing plans by leading media and public relations effort that resulted in numerous positive media stories, including print, TV and radio.

HEALTHAMERICA, Harrisburg, Pa.                                                                    

Strategic Communications Manager 
2004 to 2007

Produced and managed all employee communications plus supported communications for the company’s president and CEO, including presentations, letters and speeches. Also involved in the writing and issuing of press releases, writing copy for ads and supporting the sales staff.

  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive internal communications strategy incorporating face-to-face, Web, e-mail and print mediums.
  • Improved internal communications by conducting company’s first employee communications audit consisting of an online survey of employees.
  • Wrote for and edited the member health newsletters, Living Well and Good Times, going to more than 220,000 households in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

BURSON-MARSTELLER, Harrisburg, Pa.                                                           

Senior Associate  
2003 to 2004

Provided public relations and marketing communications support for Burson-Marsteller’s Central Pennsylvania clients.

HIGHMARK INC., Camp Hill, Pa.                                                                       

Communications Manager 
1990 to 2003

Provided public relations and marketing communications support for Highmark’s Central Pennsylvania health insurance business. Also managed the area responsible for company-wide, employee communications reaching 11,100 people. Supervised a staff of up to three people producing four different newsletters (print and electronic) plus ad hoc internal communications.


EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATIONS

  • Master’s Degree in English, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in English, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA.
  • Accredited Business Communicator (ABC), International Association of Business Communicators.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • “Leadership Philadelphia.”
  • “Media Relations Strategies During a Crisis,” International Association of Business Communicators Web Seminar.
  • “Media Training,” Burson-Marsteller.
  • “Research Training,” Andrews, Sacunas and Saline Inc.
  • “Strategic Planning,” The McNellis Company.

COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

  • Board member of the Ridley Park Public Library
  • Former Secretary for the Friends of the Ridley Township Public Library.
  • Former president and webmaster of the Harrisburg Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.
  • Former co-chair of the Development Committee for the Cumberland County Chapter of the American Red Cross.