Rising Stars — Where Are They Now?
The SHSMD Rising Star Award 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.
We asked former SHSMD Rising Stars about their experience with the Rising Star Award. Here is what they had to say about their careers and their involvement with SHSMD since they won the Rising Star Award.
 | Molly Busch, Rising Star 2024CRM Campaigns Manager “Since receiving the Rising Star Award, my role hasn’t changed, but my perspective and opportunities have continued to evolve. The recognition reinforced my commitment to doing work that strengthens our organization and improves patient outcomes. It also gave me the confidence to think more strategically about the impact of what I contribute each day.” |
 | Rachel J. Lott, Rising Star 2024Position when won: Chief Communications Officer for Hillside Hospital “Winning the Rising Star award was an incredible honor and a defining milestone in my career. Since then, I’ve expanded my work nationally as a director in the consulting practice at Endeavor Management, which transition I directly credit to my involvement in SHSMD. I served on the MarCom By The Numbers steering committee for several years and was invited to speak on a panel at SHSMD Connections 2024 hosted by Endeavor, where I first connected with my now colleagues. The relationships and professional opportunities that grew from that involvement have been instrumental in my continued growth as a leader in healthcare strategy.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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 | Kristina Schiller Chaki, Rising Star 2023Director, Content Strategy “It was such an honor to be recognized by SHSMD as a Rising Star. The recognition has afforded me the opportunity to get more involved with SHSMD committees, speak at SHSMD Connections, and collaborate with other healthcare marketing leaders across the country.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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 | Adam Tiedt, Rising Star 2023Regional Vice President / Director of Sales Enablement “Receiving the SHSMD Rising Star Award in 2023 was truly one of the highlights of my career… Since receiving the award, I had the opportunity to be featured on the SHSMD Rapid Insights podcast, my first podcast experience, which was both exciting and rewarding... I continue to actively participate in SHSMD forums and educational webinars and plan to attend the annual SHSMD Connections Conference to stay engaged with industry peers and thought leaders.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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 | Michelle Luna Toscano, Rising Star 2023Senior Marketing Business Partner “Being recognized as a SHSMD Rising Star has been an incredible honor that has fueled my passion for healthcare strategy and marketing. The award has connected me with inspiring leaders, opened doors to new opportunities and reinforced my commitment to driving meaningful change in the industry. I have continued to participate by serving on a volunteer Committee, leveraging the Mentor program and have submitted a proposal to present at the 2025 SHSMD Connections Conference.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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 | Megan Stinchcomb, Rising Star 2022Position when won: Marketing Strategy Manager for Nemours Children’s Health “The SHSMD award added a layer of credibility and showcased the impact of our marketing strategies, helping to secure recognition and resources that our team wouldn’t have had otherwise.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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 | Emily MacMillan, Rising Star 2022Manager of Marketing “The recognition from SHSMD as a Rising Star was an important career milestone for me. It was an honor to be celebrated for my achievements in the healthcare marketing field, but it also inspired me to be more involved with SHSMD. I have enjoyed volunteering as a Conference Committee Track Leader and interacting with others in the field. When I absorbed our organization's recruitment marketing responsibilities in my role last year, the insights I had gained through SHSMD's programming supported my new work.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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 | Mitchell Shusteris, Rising Star 2020Marketing Director, Physician Enterprise “Today I am the Director of Marketing for Atlantic Health System’s Physician Enterprise. Winning the Rising Star Award was a great recognition for me that has been a professional conversation starter as well as allowed me to continue to build relationships with my senior leadership team.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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 | Alisha Katz, Rising Star 2020Position when won: Marketing Manager for UF Health “Receiving this award has helped build my confidence as a strategist and a communicator, and has connected me with likeminded Rising Stars from across the country.” SHSMD involvement since winning the award:
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