Healthcare Communications Executive Rebecca Ayer Joins Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Rebecca Ayer, 12-year healthcare and communications veteran, joined healthcare public affairs firm Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc. as senior executive advisor in the growing Nashville and Chicago-based firm, the company announced today.

Ayer joins the firm most recently from Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where she served as vice president and co-led an embedded corporate communications team at Tenet Healthcare, a leading healthcare services company. Previously, she spent time in Washington, D.C., serving in roles that included director of media affairs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, director of communications for the Office of Public Health and Science, and in the White House managing health policy projects for First Lady Laura Bush.

“Our clients come to us for strategic counsel and a get-it-done attitude during times of significant transition in their organization,” said David Jarrard, president and CEO of Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock. “Rebecca brings expertise in politics, healthcare, and communications – the exact skill set our clients need as they navigate the waters of mergers, acquisitions, CON campaigns, reputational issues and other significant events in the life of a hospital.”

Ayer began her work in healthcare as a public relations manager for Baptist Hospital in Nashville. She also carries experience as deputy political director for the 2002 Lamar Alexander for Senate campaign and worked in the office of Gov. Don Sundquist (R-TN), as well as in community relations at Bank of America. Ayer earned her master's degree in mass communications from the University of Florida and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Tennessee.

About Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock

Jarrard Inc. is a national healthcare public affairs firm that works exclusively with the leaders of hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout the U.S. The firm is singularly focused on helping the leaders of today's healthcare organizations use the tools of politics and communications to win their strategic goals during times of challenge or change. The agency has been named in the Top 20 fastest growing firms in the nation by O'Dwyer's in 2009 and 2010, and ranks among the top healthcare PR firms in the U.S. For more information, visit www.jarrardinc.com.