Since 1999, Westside has helped healthcare companies reach their key audiences. We specialize in helping healthcare technology companies develop and execute strategic marketing solutions through a variety of channels. We have worked with companies in to develop campaigns in the managed care, hospital, medical group, and consumer sectors.

Our Approach

We work closely with you to develop strategy and take actions that produce results. We provide advice and feedback about your public relations efforts and your competitive positioning.

We are proud of our record of developing creative solutions and successfully implementing them. The true power of PR is achieved when originality and imagination are used effectively to achieve the company's marketing objectives.

Because we are a smaller, specialized agency, you will work only with senior PR professionals - never a junior executive.

Why Use Westside?

• We don't require a learning curve - we know the industry and the technology inside and out.

• Different segments of the healthcare industry are in conflict over financial and social policy goals. It is critical to understand each audience and to design messages appropriately.

Services

• Communications strategy

• Message platforms

• Writing, placement of news releases & bylined articles

• Soft soundings & competitive intelligence

• Trade show press relations

• Media training

• Speaker programs

Management Team

James Harris, President

Jim, the founder of Westside, has more than 20 years experience in public relations, public affairs and marketing. Before starting the agency in 2000, he served for six years as Director of Public Affairs for CIGNA HealthCare's western region. Prior to joining CIGNA, he worked for 10 years at public relations agencies including Hill and Knowlton, Ketchum and The Rowland Company. At those agencies, he specialized in working on healthcare and financial services accounts. He also served as Public Relations Director for the California League of Savings Associations. Prior to entering the PR field, he worked as a daily newspaper reporter for five years. He holds a BA from the University of San Francisco, an MS in Mass Communications from San Jose State University and has studied at UCLA's Anderson School of Management.

Jana Williams, Media Relations Director

Jana has extensive experience in both PR and as a healthcare provider. Before moving to Los Angeles in 1999, she worked for GCI Group Public Relations in Canada. Before starting her career in PR, Jana worked for five years as a licensed Respiratory Therapist at Mount Sinai Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

At GCI in Toronto, she worked on campaigns for Janssen-Ortho, Aventis, DuPont and the Brewers Association of Canada. Her in-depth knowledge of medicine and personal experience give her a unique capability to communicate effectively with healthcare audiences and specialized publications.

Jana holds a BS degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Diploma in Respiratory Therapy from the Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in Toronto.

Jennifer Stephens, Account Supervisor

Jennifer has more than a decade of experience in marketing and public relations. As senior marketing manager at CIGNA HealthCare's Western Region, she was responsible for broker and employer communications. Prior to working at CIGNA, Jennifer worked as a senior marketing manager at Pinkerton's Inc. (security provider) and Resnick-West. She has also served in the marketing department of Tredent Data Systems and West Coast University.

Jennifer is a graduate of Oxford University in England, holds a MA from the University of Oregon and has won numerous awards in marketing communications and public relations.