2026 Class of SHSMD Rising Stars

Caroline Ackerman, APR, is the Manager of Communications & Public Affairs at Renown Health, where she leads strategic communications for northern Nevada’s leading not-for-profit health system. She oversees executive communications, media relations, crisis communications, community relations, internal communications for Renown’s 8,000+ employees — helping advance the organization's mission through clear, trusted and impactful storytelling.

Caroline leads a talented team of professionals to develop communications that support organizational priorities, strengthen employee engagement, and protect Renown's reputation during complex and high-profile issues.

Caroline is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America, and she earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is passionate about improving access to care and helping her community make informed health decisions through clear, compassionate communication. When she's not working, Caroline loves to spend time in the Sierra Nevada hiking, snowboarding and running.

Here’s what Caroline's nominators had to say:

"Caroline Ackerman represents exactly what the SHSMD Rising Star Award is designed to recognize — a communications and strategy professional who leads with integrity, invests in others and consistently delivers at a level well beyond her years of experience… She shows up consistently, earns trust quietly and makes everyone around her better."

"Her student-first approach to advising — empowering students to do the work themselves while providing clear, grounded guidance — reflects a genuine commitment to developing the next generation of communications professionals… Faculty Adviser Alison Gaulden APR, Fellow PRSA, specifically notes Caroline's ability to strike the balance between guidance and empowerment — a hallmark of effective leadership development."

"As a core member of Renown's crisis communications committee, Caroline maintains close relationships with strategic teams across the organization, ensuring rapid, coordinated response when it matters most. Her readiness and cross-functional relationships reflect the kind of organizational agility the Bridging Worlds framework identifies as essential for modern healthcare strategists."

Brenna Bartruff serves as Chief Communications Officer at Lexington Regional Health Center, where she leads innovative, community-centered strategies that expand access to care and strengthen patient engagement. In a uniquely diverse rural community, she has transformed traditional marketing into a multilingual, multicultural communications platform that connects with patients across languages, cultures, and circumstances.

Brenna’s leadership extends beyond communications into strategic planning, where she integrates data, storytelling, and consumer experience to shape organizational growth and service delivery. She has played a critical role in community outreach efforts during times of disruption, helping families navigate coverage options and access care with clarity and confidence.

Brenna’s work has earned statewide recognition, including honors from the Nebraska Hospital Association, and reflects her deep commitment to innovation, mentorship, and service. Brenna is dedicated to building healthier communities by ensuring every voice is heard and every patient feels connected to care.

Here’s what Brenna's nominators had to say:

"Under her leadership, LRHC's communications function has evolved from traditional marketing into a multilingual, multicultural community health platform. She has redesigned how we deliver health information, public health updates, and access-to-care messaging so that it reaches the families who need it — not just the families who happen to speak English. This work is the embodiment of SHSMD's call to design consumer experiences and tell powerful stories."

"Brenna leads with kindness and inclusivity. She has a rare ability to work effectively with individuals across all backgrounds and roles, consistently making others feel welcomed, valued, and heard. Her professionalism, empathy, and positive presence set a high standard for collaboration and excellence."

"Brenna is truly a rising star—someone who leads with heart, creativity, and integrity... She takes initiative, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and consistently delivers results. Her positivity and energy are contagious, inspiring those around her to do their best work."

Michael Martin is a healthcare marketing strategist and digital storyteller passionate about using audience insights and compelling narratives to strengthen connections between healthcare organizations and the communities they serve. As Digital Content Strategist at Morehouse School of Medicine, he leads social media strategy and digital storytelling initiatives that have expanded audience engagement, elevated institutional visibility, and transformed complex healthcare topics into accessible, impactful content. Michael also spearheaded the revitalization of the Morehouse School of Medicine Blog, helping reestablish it as a strategic storytelling platform.

Michael is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Digital Strategy and Audience Engagement at Arizona State University and serves as a Member Community Ambassador and Digital Engagement Track Committee member for SHSMD. As a 2026 SHSMD Rising Star, Michael is committed to advancing innovative, audience-centered communication across healthcare.

Here’s what Michael's nominators had to say:

"His professionalism, empathy and ability to engage individuals from all backgrounds reflect the core values of both SHSMD and the healthcare strategy profession…  Mr. Martin's integrity, collaborative spirit and dedication to inclusive communications make him an outstanding representative of SHSMD’s values and the future of healthcare strategy leadership."

"His collaborative leadership style has strengthened relationships across the organization and positioned him as a valued resource beyond his formal role...  His growing influence within the organization and professional associations reflects a strong trajectory toward future leadership in healthcare communications and strategy."

"What distinguishes Mr. Martin is his commitment to continuous improvement and his desire to elevate both his work and the work of those around him.  Mr. Martin actively seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and sharpen his skills through professional certifications, webinars, graduate studies and industry engagement. He regularly brings forward new ideas, emerging trends and innovative approaches that strengthen our team’s strategic communications efforts. "

Eric Spector is a healthcare marketing leader at Atlantic Health whose work has helped advance patient engagement, strengthen organizational reputation, and support strategic growth across New Jersey’s leading hospitals and service lines. Since entering healthcare marketing, he has rapidly advanced to leading high-performing teams and enterprise-wide strategic programs.

Eric is recognized for leveraging data-driven marketing to improve both patient experience and business outcomes. Working closely with clinical, operational, and digital teams, Eric helped develop Atlantic Health’s first personalized Same Day Surgery communication program, including its first Spanish-language patient outreach initiative. The effort contributed to measurable improvements in patient experience outcomes while helping establish a more consistent and equitable approach to patient communication.

A trusted partner to clinical and executive leaders, Eric plays a key role in advancing systemwide growth strategies, strengthening Atlantic Health’s quality reputation, and fostering a unified “One Atlantic Health” brand across the organization.

Here’s what Eric's nominators had to say:

"He brings an extraordinary level of empathy to every stakeholder, ensuring all perspectives are heard and valued… his passion and commitment have positioned him as a leader of hospital foundation initiatives, where he collaborates with business partners, community advisory boards, and leads much of the hospital’s charitable work."

"What truly sets Eric apart is his unwavering integrity. Even when faced with pressure from influential physicians or stakeholders advocating for alternative marketing spend, he stays true to the marketing mission and the organization’s strategic goals. He thoughtfully balances short-term opportunities with long-term vision, ensuring every decision serves the greater purpose of advancing patient care."

"His understanding of how to tailor messaging to resonate with diverse audiences—patients, physicians, and staff alike—has elevated our organizational storytelling and enhanced trust across teams. He integrates data-driven insights with empathy and clarity, ensuring that every initiative is both strategic and human-centered…  His ability to motivate others, combined with his thoughtful guidance, positions him as a future leader who will not only drive results but also inspire the next generation of healthcare marketing professionals."