West Wireless Health Institute Names Mindy Tucker Fletcher as Vice President of Strategic Communications

Public Affairs Veteran to Drive Organization's Message of Lowering Health Care Costs Through Innovation

SAN DIEGO, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The West Wireless Health Institute (WWHI) today announced the appointment of Mindy Tucker Fletcher as Vice President of Strategic Communications. In this role, Fletcher will be leading a comprehensive communications program to support the organization's mission to lower health care costs through health care innovation.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090624/DC137665LOGO )  

She will also oversee external relations to engage stakeholders ranging from policymakers to the health care community. Fletcher previously served as Senior Vice President for Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide where she provided strategic communications counsel to corporate, government and non-profit clients.

"I can't think of anyone more qualified than Mindy to lead our call to arms around health care innovation," said Gary West, WWHI's founder and chairman. "We need to signal loud and clear that there are real solutions to this crisis of soaring health care costs. Mindy has an outstanding track record of public and community service, and will enable us to effectively align our communications initiatives with our work to lower health care costs."

WWHI, founded in March 2009 by the Gary and Mary West Foundation, is one of the world's first medical research organizations focused on lowering health care costs through health care innovation. The Foundation has committed nearly $100 million to WWHI to date, with $55 million earmarked for internal biomedical research and development.

"The Institute's approach to solving the critical challenge of the cost of health care is unique and fresh," said Fletcher. "I'm excited be part of such a dedicated team that is driving change by accelerating meaningful innovation. This role is also an incredible opportunity to be part of making a difference on an issue that is vital to our nation's health and to our economy."

Fletcher previously served in government and politics for more than ten years, including six years on Capitol Hill, as well as serving as spokesperson for a presidential campaign and two Governor's races. In 2001, she was the first woman appointed as the Director of Public Affairs, the chief spokesperson, for the United States Justice Department.  

"Mindy is exceptionally talented and mission-driven, and we're thrilled to have her on board with our team in San Diego," said Don Casey, WWHI's CEO. "She brings outstanding strategic communications expertise to the Institute, which will help us cut through noise and get to the heart of what really matters –driving down health care costs and transforming the way health care is delivered in the United States."

In addition to her role at WWHI, Fletcher is a member of the board for the Angels Foster Family Network and on the Community Advisory Council for Voices for Children. She also serves on the board of the Institute of Politics and Public Service at Point Loma Nazarene University and is a member of the Honorary Board for the New Children's Museum.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.  

For more information on WWHI, please visit www.westwirelesshealth.org.

ABOUT THE WEST WIRELESS HEALTH INSTITUTE

The West Wireless Health Institute (www.westwirelesshealth.org) is one of the first medical research organizations in the world supporting the exploration and application of wireless technologies to lower health care costs. The Institute was founded in March 2009 by the Gary and Mary West Foundation, and is based in San Diego, California, the global center for health care innovation.

SOURCE West Wireless Health Institute