Transitions in Corporate Communications

Dear Colleagues:

For almost a quarter of a century, I’ve had the pleasure, the honor and the privilege of directing communications for Johns Hopkins Medicine. There is no more satisfying communications job in all of academic medicine. Together we’ve celebrated honors, awards and amazing discoveries. We’ve worked together to inform the public - and to bring Hopkins Medicine through difficult times as an even stronger organization. And we have formed some wonderful friendships along the way. Now it’s time for someone else to have the same privilege - and the same challenges. By the start of the next academic year, I intend to relinquish my position as Vice President of Corporate Communications at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

When Dick Ross and Bob Heyssel asked me to head what was then called the Office of Public Affairs, Dr. Ross had one strong admonition: “Keep the tarnish off the Dome.” Current scaffolding aside, I think the Dome shines even brighter today thanks to you - JHM’s enormously talented faculty and staff - matched by an enormously talented communications team.

I’m often told that my office is the envy of every other academic medical center. Usually I respond modestly. But I must let you know that the staff of the Office of Corporate Communications is the best: talented, motivated, passionate about what they do, determined to support the missions of JHM. I’m supremely fortunate to have worked with them in such a magnificent cause, as well as with you.

Over the next six to eight months, I’ll be working on the transition with JHM’s leaders. In the usual Hopkins way, however, they also expect me - and my staff - to continue full steam ahead to support you in your work. You know that you can count on our total cooperation during that time - as always.

Thank you for being what you are: the very best!

Sincerely,

Elaine Freeman