Nick Ragone

SVP - Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Ascension Health
United States

With the healthcare reform debate dominating headlines, Nick Ragone’s job as senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for Ascension, the nation’s largest non-profit health system, has rarely been dull. In addition to providing counsel to the CEO, he has led the re-branding of the entire system, transformed the marketing department with a new digital focus, streamlined agency relationships and launched the first ever national advertising campaign around Ascension’s Veteran’s Choice program.

In addition, Ragone’s role focuses on defining and strengthening the Ascension brand, implementing a robust thought leadership plan, and developing a corporate social responsibility platform.

Prior to joining Ascension, Mr. Ragone was director of the Washington, DC, office of Ketchum, and served as a senior strategist, counselor and media trainer to many of the agency’s clients, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Express Scripts, H&R Block, Universal Health Services, FedEx, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Macy’s, and the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, among others.

Can you share a moment in your career that you recognized PR's direct impact on business performance?
Modern Healthcare recognizing Ascension's CEO as number 3 on the Most Influential list.

What are the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities? 
incorporating data into all comms.

How do you handle the unexpected?
Carefully and calmly.

How do you relax?
Play chess!

Book/movie/TV show/podcast that teaches a valuable lesson about PR?
The Sweet Smell of Success.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
a lawyer.