Atrium Health Welcomes New Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
Following national search, Michael Parkerson, MBA, joining system to lead comprehensive marketing strategy
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 23, 2019 – Atrium Health today announced that Michael Parkerson, MBA, will join the system as the new senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective May 1.
In this role, Parkerson will lead the branding, consumer engagement, awareness and growth efforts that are part of the comprehensive marketing and communications strategy at Atrium Health, one of the most highly integrated not-for-profit healthcare systems in the nation with nearly 14 million patient interactions each year across 42 hospitals and more than 900 care locations.
Parkerson has nearly 25 years of career experience and is known for being a growth-oriented leader using innovative strategies to build brand recognition and strategic partnerships. His exemplary approach to strategic thought leadership includes an inclusive, team-building management style and proven experience in solving complex business problems.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Michael Parkerson to the Atrium Health family,” said Rasu Shrestha, MD, MBA, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Atrium Health. “The knowledge Michael brings to Atrium Health will allow us to continue to build loyalty among our existing patients and leverage innovative digital technologies to engage new consumers from across this region and the nation – while delivering immersive experiences that bring health, hope and healing to many more people.”
Parkerson spent nearly 20 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, most recently serving as chief strategy and innovation officer. In this role, he established a new division with accountability for the enterprise strategy, business transformation, corporate development, innovation and consumer experience for the $9.4 billion operation.
Parkerson additionally served as the chief marketing officer and business transformation leader at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, architecting and executing enterprise growth strategy – exceeding the plans for revenue and membership growth – and re-engineering business processes for greater efficiency and agile product development.
“I am extremely honored to be part of Atrium Health’s patient-centered and compassionate mission of providing health, hope and healing for all,” said Michael Parkerson. “I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to join a very talented team at Atrium Health, where a strong strategic roadmap is already in place, and I am looking forward to further advancing the significant progress already made in the areas of growth, value and affordability throughout the Southeast.”
Parkerson holds a master’s degree in business administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and graduated Summa cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics.
In this new chief marketing officer role for Atrium Health, Parkerson will report directly to Rasu Shrestha, MD, MBA, executive vice president and chief strategy officer.
About Atrium Health
Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout the Southeast region. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high-quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.
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