Jarrard Inc. Strengthens Leadership Team Amid Rising Healthcare Demand

In a significant move aimed at meeting the increasing demands of the healthcare sector, Jarrard Inc., a top 10 U.S. healthcare strategic communications consultancy, recently announced the enhancement of its leadership team. This follows a year of notable growth and success, which saw the firm servicing over 150 healthcare clients across 40 states.

Expanded Leadership and Strategic Appointments

On January 15, 2025, the Nashville-based firm celebrated the promotion of James Cervantes to partner and welcomed five seasoned professionals to its various practices. These changes reflect Jarrard’s dedication to addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare organizations in an era of change.

James Cervantes: Partner Promotion

James Cervantes, with a robust background in strategy and performance improvement, has been pivotal in Jarrard's Regional Health Systems Practice since joining in 2019. His efforts in guiding healthcare executives through transformative operational and clinical initiatives established him as a trusted advisor. Jarrard Inc. President Anne Hancock Toomey remarked, “James has been integral to our success, demonstrating a profound understanding of healthcare and an unmatched capacity to assist our clients.”

Cervantes' experience at notable institutions such as Northwestern Medicine and Penn Medicine has equipped him with the skills necessary to lead the firm’s strategic imperatives effectively.

Welcoming New Leaders

The appointment of Michael Knecht as Senior Vice President for the Academic Health Systems Practice marks a significant addition to the team. Knecht brings with him over three decades of experience in healthcare strategy and communications. His previous role as executive vice president for RWJBarnabas Health showcased his ability to enhance branding and execute effective marketing and crisis communication strategies.

Toomey emphasized Knecht’s unique capabilities, stating, “He is a tremendous asset to our team and clients, having created nationally recognized communication strategies aimed at advancing health equity.”

Additionally, Perri duGard Owens has joined as a Vice President in the Regional Health Systems Practice. Owens, known for her strategic communications expertise, previously led duGard Communications, where she developed award-winning campaigns across various sectors. Her comprehensive skill set will be invaluable in driving impactful results for Jarrard’s clients.

Steve Gottshall, another new Vice President specializing in strategic partnerships, brings almost three decades of business development experience in healthcare. Previously, Gottshall held significant roles that contributed to substantial growth in previous organizations. Toomey remarked on Gottshall's leadership, calling him “an exceptional leader with a knack for building strong relationships.”

Additional New Hires

Jarrard Inc. also announced the addition of Natalie Brereton as Senior Managing Advisor focusing on Market Research. Brereton’s background in public health and analytics strengthens the firm's research capabilities, enhancing its ability to cater to clients' strategic needs. Meanwhile, Kylie Naughton joins the firm as Managing Advisor within the Health Services Technology Practice, leveraging her skills in reputation management.

A Promising Future

Founded in 2006, Jarrard Inc. has established itself as a leader in healthcare-related strategic communication consulting services. The firm has provided strategic counsel to over 1,500 clients across 47 states, managing communications and political strategies on over $75 billion in announced transactions.

With the current growth trajectory, Jarrard Inc. is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the U.S. healthcare landscape, offering specialized services tailored to the unique demands of healthcare leaders during critical growth and change moments. This expansion not only strengthens their internal capabilities but also significantly enhances the value offered to healthcare organizations across the spectrum.

As Jarrard continues to evolve in response to market needs, its foundational commitment remains steadfast—transforming U.S. healthcare for the better through dedicated partnerships and innovative solutions. For more information, interested parties can visit Jarrard Inc.'s website.