2024 Class of SHSMD Rising Stars
The SHSMD Rising Star recognizes health care strategy professionals who over the past few years have demonstrated outstanding promise in their respective fields. This recognition shines a spotlight on SHSMD members who have made or are on their way to making significant contributions to their profession and the SHSMD membership.
Congratulations to the 2024 Class of Rising Stars! These five individuals are distinguished by being highly successful within their organizations as well as within our field and they are on a trajectory for future success. They exemplify core values, such as integrity, inspirational behavior, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to advancing the profession through innovative work.
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Molly Busch | Rachel J. Lott | Tim McMahon | Stephanie Wagoner | Alexa Warner
Molly Busch has 10 years of CRM systems administration and marketing experience and is currently the Precision CRM Campaigns Manager at UCSF Health. Most recently, Molly supported and created both DTC and B2B customer lifecycle campaign strategies in the consumer electronics industry while working for Sonos. During her first few years in the health care industry, Molly has enjoyed the important work of bettering patient experience and outcomes through establishing and growing the Precision CRM Campaigns program. She has especially valued the opportunity to know and work with partners across departments, enabling her to gain invaluable insight into the current challenges and opportunities that health care systems are currently facing.
In her spare time, Molly enjoys hiking and exploring Colorado with her husband and dog. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Here’s what Molly’s nominators had to say:
“Molly’s natural ability to connect with people, build relationships, and inspire others is truly commendable.”
“Her ability to think strategically, make informed decisions, and lead a team towards success is truly exceptional.”
“Her energy is infectious, and she is gifted at getting her team members on board with whatever initiative she is leading.”
Rachel J. Lott is Hillsdale Hospital’s Chief Communications Officer in Hillside, MI, overseeing marketing, development, community outreach, governmental affairs, and auxiliary. She produces and co-hosts Rural Health Rising, a podcast about rural America’s health care triumphs, challenges and opportunities. She also produces and co-hosts regular livestreams and a weekly 10-minute radio segment on the latest health care news in the Hillsdale community.
Rachel has served on the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s Legislative Policy Panel since 2022. She is an active member of SHSMD, serving on the MarCom by The Numbers Steering Committee and the Educational & Editorial Advisory Board.
Prior to joining Hillsdale, Lott was VP & Creative Director of the PR agency Group Stellar. Prior roles include Director of Marketing at Greater Fort Wayne Inc., and Marketing & Community Outreach Manager at Indiana University Health Bedford Hospital.
Rachel holds a Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University and a BA in Journalism-PR from Baylor University.
Here’s what Rachel’s nominators had to say:
“Rachel is compassionate, kind and an overall outstanding example of servant leadership. Simply stated, Rachel Lott is a rare find as a professional who exemplifies exceptional leadership skills, interpersonal skills, determination and perseverance.”
“When you meet Rachel, you will see that she is an outstanding, dedicated community leader who possesses personal integrity and a thoughtful, engaging, and intelligent communications style. She is a dynamo!”
“Her consistent professionalism, honesty and sincerity demonstrate her leadership style. As for an individual, Rachel possesses the “human touch” in her ability to relate to all persons while engaged, collectively, in serving an underserved population of those most in need.”
Tim McMahon is the Director of Marketing and Business Development at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, NH. With over 14 years of experience in digital and traditional marketing, including the last 4+ years at St. Joseph's, Tim has emerged as a leader in health care marketing. His innovative campaigns and initiatives have significantly enhanced the hospital’s reputation and visibility.
Tim is also deeply committed to his community, serving as a coach year-round for all of his children’s recreational and travel sports teams including baseball, soccer, flag football, basketball, and wrestling. His leadership and community participation extend beyond the field as well through his service on the Boards of the PLUS Company and the Souhegan Valley Rotary Club.
Tim holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire, Durham, and currently resides in Merrimack, NH, with his wife Jackie and their children, Allie and Ryan.
Here’s what Tim’s nominators had to say:
“Tim's engagement in community leadership roles demonstrates his commitment to sharing knowledge and nurturing talent within the field. His willingness to mentor other professionals speaks volumes about his leadership potential and his desire to cultivate future leaders in health care marketing and beyond.”
“He throws his time, talent, and good sense of humor into every project, going so far as to help emcee fundraising events.”
“Timothy J. McMahon Jr's demonstrated potential for expanded leadership is evident through his collaborative abilities, community engagement, and dedication to excellence in his field. With his motivation and mentorship capabilities. Tim is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health care marketing and leadership.”
Stephanie Wagoner is the Manager of Marketing and Community Relations for UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene in Washington, PA. She oversees all marketing and PR initiatives for both local hospitals, system owned outpatient centers and approximately 20 physician practices.
Stephanie is originally from Upstate NY and moved to the Pittsburgh area in 2000. She has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and has worked in the health care industry for about 15 years.
Stephanie’s past award achievements include: (2017) the Washington County ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award; (2018) named one of the Foremost-under-Forty by PA Business Central; and (2019) the Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Marketing award, presented by Insights Magazine.
In additional, Stephanie is a member of the Board of Directors for Peter’s Township Chamber of Commerce and for the LWC Leadership Program.
Here’s what Stephanie’s nominators had to say:
“Stephanie possesses an unparalleled ability to generate ideas, collaborate on projects, serve as a liaison in situations and lead groups of people. She approaches challenges with a positive attitude and is always willing to lend a helping hand to others on the team.”
“Stephanie’s leadership style is thoughtful, adaptive, communicative and visionary. She continually seeks new and innovative ways to learn and grow within her position and as a leader.”
“I wholeheartedly recommend Stephanie Wagoner for any opportunity that requires strong leadership, organizational prowess, and a commitment to community engagement.”
Alexa Warner launched her career in hospital operations following her Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Beginning with a fellowship at VCU Health, she progressed to managing marketing and strategy departments, pioneering initiatives like the organization’s inaugural CRM implementation and a significant rebranding effort. Notably, she orchestrated VCU Health’s sponsorship of the international 2015 UCI Road World Cycling Championships.
Later, Alexa relocated with her husband and took charge of brand strategy and a health system rebrand at UNC Health. Returning to Richmond in 2020, she joined Bon Secours Mercy Health as Director of Marketing for the Eastern Region. Promoted to System Director of Consumer Marketing in 2022 and then Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy for the Ministry in 2023, Alexa oversees marketing strategy, advertising, creative services, consumer insights and B2B brand strategy across 10 markets. She and her team focus on enhancing brand presence, fostering strategic growth, and enhancing consumer engagement to simplify health care for the communities they serve.
Alexa resides in Richmond, VA, with her husband Nate, a physician in their community and their three sons, Everett, Rhoads, and Beau.
Here’s what Alexa’s nominators had to say:
“She recognizes the necessity for various viewpoints and opinions and fosters an environment where future leaders are being built. She has empowered our team to seek out answers and potential solutions, foster collaborative cross functional relationships, and own work without fear.”
“She is curious, collaborative, and innovative and she exhibits all the values that SHSMD advocates: Respect, accountability, excellence, innovation and collaboration.”
“I am constantly amazed at how she ingests a problem and strategically dissects it in a way that is palatable and fresh for solving. Her ability to make complex situations an opportunity for strategic evolution has established her as the individual to manage change and drive success in our organization.”
Past Recipients
2023
Abraham Gage
Adam Tiedt
Andy Cessac
Caroline Isemann
Emily Browning
Jenny Sundberg
Jesiree Driskell
Kathryn Lam
Kristina Schiller Chaki
Michael Hendell
Michelle Luna Toscano
Nick Hanson
Sarah Murlin
2022
Alison Pondo
Danielle Torbet
Emily MacMillan
Julie Akers
Lauren Poe
Lexy Eggert
Megan Stinchcomb
Sarah Gebhart
Shannon Swiger
Tiffany Conover