Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Names Seasoned Media Executive As Vice President Of Communications

SEATTLE, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center today named accomplished media executive Jennifer Sizemore as its new vice president of communications, an expansive role that oversees all of the research center's external and internal communications, media relations, community relations, marketing, branding and government relations.

Sizemore, a world-class journalist, most recently served as vice president/general manager and editor-in-chief of NBC News Digital, formerly msnbc.com.

"There's never been a more important time to tell the story of Fred Hutch's incredible lifesaving research and discoveries, and Jennifer has the energy, passion and vision to ensure our communications match the high caliber of our science," said Dr. Larry Corey, president and director of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Corey selected Sizemore for the role following a nationwide search.

"Jennifer is energetic, down-to-earth and straightforward, and she understands the importance of translating our world-class science to the world, connecting to key audiences, and leading a highly effective team," Corey said.

Sizemore will draw on her core strengths as she builds and leads a world-class communications and marketing team, including her recent focus on marketing and messaging to raise the visibility of msnbc.com; her strong journalism foundation; her experience with research and data to inform strategy; her ability to build relationships with internal groups and key external stakeholders; and her leadership in building strong teams.

"Taking on this role at Fred Hutch is the ideal next step in my career," Sizemore said. "It gives me an unparalleled opportunity to use my experience and skills to inspire and effect change for the greater good. I am excited to draw on my journalism expertise to help the Hutch tell its amazing stories effectively, and connect the organization and its groundbreaking work to the world."

"In my next role I wanted to work for an organization with a mission that was truly changing the world, and the Hutch's work to prevent – and end – cancer is something I'm incredibly passionate about," Sizemore said. "I look forward to elevating the breakthroughs happening here, in the Northwest community and beyond."

After numerous senior editorial positions, including as deputy managing editor of news at the Houston Chronicle and assistant managing editor at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Sizemore moved to a digital and national platform with msnbc.com.

At msnbc.com, she oversaw editorial content and strategy, product development, brand management, and financial management of the company's two flagship brands. She managed a team of 120, including six direct reports: managing editors and those responsible for business strategy, multimedia platforms and content. She led a team that worked to connect with target audiences through digital communications and integrated research to inform the product and gain greater understanding of key issues.

She has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington, a master's in journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and a master's in business administration from the University of Washington.

Sizemore, who begins her new role on April 17, will lead the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's communications and marketing team. She will report to Corey and serve on the organization's leadership team.

About Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch's pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation's first and largest cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women's Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Private contributions are essential for enabling Fred Hutch scientists to explore novel research opportunities that lead to important medical breakthroughs. For more information visit www.fredhutch.org or follow Fred Hutch on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

CONTACT
Dean Forbes
206-667-2896
[email protected]

SOURCE Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center