CHANDLER WILSON, MPA
PROFILE
Strategic marketing and communications leader with 20+ years of experience advancing mission-driven healthcare, research, and nonprofit organizations through integrated marketing, brand, internal, external, and digital communications. Trusted advisor to senior leadership with deep expertise translating complex organizational, scientific, medical, and strategic information into clear, compelling narratives for employees, executives, donors, patients, researchers, partners, and public audiences. Proven success developing communications strategies, brand platforms, employee engagement initiatives, publications, digital content, media materials, and high-visibility campaigns within complex, multi-division organizations. Collaborative, highly diplomatic leader recognized for combining strategic counsel with exceptional writing, editorial judgment, creative direction, and end-to-end execution.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
● Strategic Communications Leadership
● Brand Strategy & Management
● Project & Change Management
● Content Strategy & Planning
● Creative Direction & Design
● Stakeholder Engagement
● Vendor & Agency Management
● Team Leadership & Development
● Event Marketing & Oversight
● Marketing Analytics & Research
● Media, Agency & Vendor Relations
● Executive & Crisis Communications
● Integrated Marketing Campaigns
● Cross-Functional Collaboration
● Writing, Editing & Storytelling
● Data-Driven Decision Making & Outcomes
● Donor Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
● Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility
SELECTED LEADERSHIP IMPACT
● Marketing & Communications Strategy: Developed integrated marketing and communications strategies supporting organizational priorities, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, brand visibility, and mission advancement. ● Brand & Storytelling: Led enterprise brand strategy, editorial direction, publications, campaigns, and audience-focused storytelling translating complex missions into compelling narratives. ● Internal & External Communications: Built communications infrastructure, including the first employee newsletter and recognition program and an intranet content strategy that contributed to a 30% increase in employee engagement. ● Integrated Communications Leadership: Directed communications across eight divisions, B2B/B2C initiatives, and a nationally recognized research institute, spanning internal, external, digital, editorial, brand, fundraising, media, and event communications. ● Enterprise Editorial, Marcom & Brand Transformation: Directed New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) marcom and brand strategy, launching first enterprise-wide intranet, brand and editorial guidelines, and high-impact multimedia campaigns, increasing audience engagement, page views, open/click through rates, and unique visitors while strengthening brand cohesion and awareness. ● Operational Innovation & Cost Optimization: Implemented new digital platforms, AI-driven tools, and vendor consolidation strategies to streamline content production, strengthen customer experience, and cut external vendor costs by up to 45%. ● Donor/Event Marketing & Communications: Spearheaded communications and creative strategies for 100+ events, including donor and industry events, conferences, and galas such as Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance L’Oréal Legends Gala that raised $4M and record-breaking NYBCe $2.1M fundraiser, elevating event storytelling, brand visibility, and audience engagement.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DANCE ENTROPY, INC. – New York, NY
Board Member (2025-Present)
● Provide strategic communications and brand guidance supporting multicultural understanding and wellness through dance.
● Guide creative direction, brand cohesion, community outreach, and audience development to expand organizational reach.
● Support fundraising, program development, advocacy initiatives, and events to advance organizational growth
INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT – New York, NY (2024-Present)
● Advise organizations on marketing and communications strategy, brand positioning, executive messaging, donor engagement, and event marketing. ● Develop integrated communications plans, fundraising materials, thought leadership, messaging, and campaigns that strengthen visibility and stakeholder engagement. ● Provide strategic creative direction, writing/editing, and AI-assisted communications support to improve content development, efficiency, and audience engagement.
NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER ENTERPRISES – New York, NY
Director of Corporate Communications & Branding (2019-2024)
Promoted to build and direct enterprise-wide creative marcom, editorial, brand, design, event, and PR strategy. Served as managing editor and creative director of multi-platform campaigns, driving stronger brand recognition, awareness, and engagement.
● Led enterprise-wide marketing, communications, and brand strategy across eight divisions, B2B/B2C initiatives, and a nationally recognized research institute, advising senior leadership and translating complex healthcare, research, and organizational priorities for diverse audiences. ● Directed integrated marketing and communications initiatives, developing executive messaging, presentations, thought leadership, digital, editorial, social, media, and stakeholder communications. ● Managed sensitive and reputational issues, developing public-facing messaging, Q&As, press materials, and communications for complex and emotionally charged topics. ● Led a major enterprise rebrand, developing the organization’s first comprehensive brand standards manual and reducing rebranding costs 25%.
● Increased employee engagement 30% through targeted internal communications, audience-focused messaging, and strategic content development. ● Reduced production expenses 35% through AI-driven SEO, workflow automation, and content-management tools while improving communications efficiency. ● Used analytics and audience insights to optimize content, strengthen digital engagement, and inform communications strategy across channels. ● Partnered with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to align communications with organizational priorities, identify opportunities, and manage competing demands.
Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications (2009-2019)
● Directed integrated internal/external marketing and communications, fundraising, branding, editorial, digital, and event initiatives aligned with organizational priorities. ● Led website and intranet strategy and content, strengthening SEO, digital engagement, and audience experience; served as in-house graphic designer and photographer. ● Developed executive and organizational communications supporting leadership, research, HR, legal, fundraising, and B2B/B2C initiatives; managed staff, consultants, and vendors. ● Led creative strategy and production for 100+ events, including the organization’s most successful gala, raising $2.1M+ and strengthening brand visibility.
● Streamlined communications workflows and platforms for video, newsletters, templates, and digital publications, reducing external vendor expenses 40% while improving efficiency.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH ALLIANCE – New York, NY
Director of Communications: ● Developed and edited mission-driven content including newsletters, digital communications, campaign materials, executive communications, and stakeholder stories, translating complex research and advocacy priorities into clear, compelling narratives. ● Developed messaging frameworks and editorial strategies aligning communications with organizational priorities, strengthening brand visibility, and engaging diverse audiences across channels. ● Led multiple concurrent communications initiatives, coordinating internal stakeholders and external partners while maintaining brand standards, editorial quality, consistency, and deadlines.
● Elevated event storytelling and organizational visibility by securing an opening letter from then-Senator Barack Obama for the OCRA L’Oréal Legends Gala program, reflecting his personal connection to ovarian cancer advocacy. ● Managed external creative and public relations agencies, providing strategic direction to ensure aligned messaging, consistent brand representation, high-quality content, and effective audience engagement.
HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY – New York, NY
Assistant Director of Publications & Communications (secured promotion to newly created role overseeing internal and external publications and marcom strategies for the Education Division, including professional, patient, and public education projects and initiatives): ● Directed production of annual reports, brochures, newsletters, magazines, direct mail, and digital communications, translating organizational priorities and complex health information into clear, compelling, audience-focused content. ● Led creative direction and editorial oversight for major publications, including the Orthopedic Surgery Annual Report, HSS Journal, HealthConnection newsletter, Alumni News magazine, and editorial standards manual, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality. ● Collaborated with senior leadership and subject-matter experts to develop accurate, accessible, and engaging communications for diverse audiences while managing multiple deadlines and competing priorities. ● Supervised freelance designers and medical editors and managed public relations, creative, and communications agencies, ensuring strategic alignment, brand consistency, and high-quality execution.
● Spearheaded an award-winning patient education brochure and youth nutrition program cookbook, recognized for innovative approaches to audience engagement and health education. Assistant Director of Public & Patient Education: ● Directed public and patient education strategy and programming, supervising 12 coordinators and instructors, managing external vendors, and collaborating across departments to expand health education and community engagement. ● Led workshops, lectures, support groups, health fairs, and community health events, translating health and wellness information into accessible programming for diverse public and patient audiences. ● Launched the HSS Integrative Care Center’s first yoga, Pilates, dance, meditation, Tai Chi, and holistic wellness programs, expanding educational offerings, audience reach, and patient engagement. ● Oversaw development of annual reports, brochures, newsletters, and other communications, using market research and audience analysis to inform program strategy, messaging, and outreach. ● Led planning and execution of an osteoporosis education symposium, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders and communications to strengthen public awareness and engagement. ● Forged a strategic partnership with Readymade Productions to develop an educational video supporting yoga programming for lupus patients, extending reach and accessibility of patient education.
THE EYE BANK FOR SIGHT RESTORATION – New York, NY
Manager of Hospital & Community Relations: ● Directed hospital relations and community engagement across 150+ healthcare facilities, strengthening organizational visibility, partnerships, and stakeholder relationships throughout the service area. ● Supervised six marketing liaisons and led educational workshops, community programs, and development of communications and promotional materials supporting organizational outreach and engagement. ● Cultivated strategic partnerships with healthcare, community, and corporate stakeholders to expand organizational reach, strengthen relationships, and advance mission-driven initiatives. ● Collaborated across fundraising, education, marketing, and public outreach initiatives and events, developing audience-focused communications that increased awareness and supported community impact.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
DEGREES/CERTIFICATES
Master of Public Administration, Health Management/Policy
New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
Public Service Scholarship and Institute for Diversity in Health Management Grant Recipient
Capstone Project: Strategic Market Research Targeting Underserved Populations
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration/Marketing
American University Kogod School of Business
Presidential Academic Scholarship Recipient
Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity Member
Graduate Study, Nonprofit Management/Fellowship Recipient (2019)
Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Project Management Certificate (2017)
The University of Chicago Graham School
Marketing for Business Leaders Certificate (2013)
Executive Leadership Certificate (2007)
Cornell University Johnson Graduate School
Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification (2023)
School of Positive Transformation
Fitness Marketing and Management Specialist Certificate (2003)
National Exercise and Sports Trainer Association
COURSES
Brand Marketing and SEO Tools (2025)
Coursera
Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content (2024)
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School
Ethics in the Nonprofit Sector (2020)
Role of the Nonprofit Sector (2020)
Columbia University
Project Management (2017)
Pennsylvania State University
Introduction to Ancient Egypt & Its Civilizations (2016)
University of Pennsylvania
Buddhism and Modern Psychology (2014)
Princeton University
Listening to World Music (2012)
University of Pennsylvania
Copyediting (2005)
New York University
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES
AI & Content Technology: ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Perplexity, prompt engineering, AI-assisted content creation, AI-driven SEO, workflow automation; Communications & Digital Platforms: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, SharePoint, WordPress, Salesforce, Wix, Google Analytics, Grammarly, AP Style; Project Management & Collaboration: Basecamp, ServiceNow, Microsoft Teams, Zoom; Creative & Multimedia: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Biteable