Senior Marketing Specialist Jennifer Marshall brings nearly 15 years of experience in healthcare marketing to Compassus, including the past five years as part of the Marketing team through a joint venture. Known for her empathy, strategic insight and dedication to compassionate communication, Jennifer plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between communities and the care they need. In this “What’s Your Why?” spotlight, she shares how her work makes a difference and what keeps her inspired.
Q: How do you feel your work makes a difference for the people we service or the team around you?
As a member of the Marketing team who joined through a joint venture partnership, I feel like I’m able to make a real impact—not just for the people we serve, but also for the team around me. With almost 15 years in the industry with five of those on the Marketing team, I bring a lot of experience and a perspective that helps when working with new JV partners. I’ve been in their shoes, so I understand the concerns and questions that come with change. I try to meet those moments with empathy and honesty, helping to build trust and ease the transition. It’s important to me that our team and partners feel supported as we work toward the same goals.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing? What drew you specifically to healthcare marketing?
I’ve always been passionate about helping people and connecting them with the branded resources they need. What drew me to healthcare marketing was the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. People will always need healthcare and it’s constantly growing. When I started in healthcare, I was doing marketing for one state and three brands. Then it moved up to marketing in eight states. Five years ago, from a joint venture, I joined the Marketing team. As a team we now support nine brands and 280 agencies across 32 states. Growth and change are always out there. The quicker you embrace it, the easier it becomes.
Q: What’s one story or campaign that you’ve worked on at Compassus that reminded you, “This is why I do what I do”?
Working in Marketing, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of a lot of special moments. A couple of years ago, I was part of a committee that team members could submit peers for going above and beyond. One hospice nurse nomination in particular really impacted me. The nurse we will call A. Smith.
“As an on-call nurse, A. Smith treats each call as an opportunity to make a difference to those that she comes in contact with during her call. She recently received a call that one of our newer patients had passed away. As she was heading to support the family, she familiarized herself with the patient’s plan of care. She remembered that he was a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and suffered from complications from Agent Orange. A. Smith supported the family with the utmost respect but also treated the patient with dignity and respect as she prepared him for transport to the funeral home. Before he left his home for the final time, she draped an American Flag over his body and thanked him for his bravery and service.”
Even though Marketing isn’t in the field, we can all relate to the dedication and compassion of our “boots on the ground” staff. Marketing creates the collateral and avenues to capture those moments to share that remind us all why we do what we do.
Q: How do you view your role in helping patients and families receive the care they need especially when they may not know what to look for or where to start?
I see my role as the glue between locations and the community. Many families don’t realize our care spans across several service lines. We are all marketers when we are out and about in the community. That includes coming out of a grocery store with logo wear on or participating in a magazine article interview. Our job is to simplify the information and offer resources that make it easier to ask the right questions. Ultimately, we aim to empower patients, families and the community to make informed, compassionate choices. It’s so much easier to trust a recommended care partner from a friend that has had excellent services than just hope for the best.
Q: What keeps you motivated on tough days or when facing tight deadlines?
Knowing that our work can directly lead to a family receiving compassionate care keeps me going. When deadlines pile up, I remind myself that someone, somewhere may be about to talk to a previous patient about our services that could change their loved one’s experience for the better.
I attended an open house for a new home health location in Chippewa Falls, WI. I had no idea what I was about to witness. If an 88-year-old can keep her sense of humor, stay positive during recovery and trust our team…so should I. Melanie Dean Compassus Home Health Testimonial
Q: If you could share one message with the Compassus community about the impact of your work, what would it be?
Behind every piece of collateral, video, post, etc., there’s a deep sense of care. We’re not just promoting services. We’re telling stories and opening doors to recovery or helping people find hope and comfort. I’d want the Compassus community to know that our marketing is driven by the same heart that fuels the thoughtful bedside care of an aide or the motivated physical therapist gaining a patient’s trust. Bottom line, we’re all part of one mission: to make sure no one walks their health care journey alone.
