Salk takes a giant leap for media relations

June 15, 2011

Salk takes a giant leap for media relations

June 15, 2011

La Jolla—The Salk Institute for Biological Studies announced the appointment of Andy Hoang as the new Director of Media Relations.

“Andy is a welcome addition to a team dedicated to communicating the impact of extraordinary science on peoples lives,” said Stacie Spector, Chief Communications Officer. “He is an experienced communicator with great enthusiasm, professionalism, creative energy, and an unbridled excitement about the impact of the discoveries developed at the Salk.”

Hoang most recently served in a similar capacity at Palomar Pomerado Health (PPH). His skill in developing creative strategies and partnerships to humanize the story of preventative medicine and innovative health advancements led to increased coverage and an expanded target audience for PPH and its stakeholders. In 2003 he served as the communications manager for a San Diego City Attorney candidate, and spent many years prior as a news producer in San Diego and Orange County, California and Georgia media markets.

At PPH, Hoang helped secure the passage of the largest public health care bond measure in California, Proposition BB. The $496 million bond is being used to build a hospital of the future utilizing evidence based design research.

A couple of high-profile partnerships Hoang shepherded involved personal genetics testing company 23andMe, funded by Google, and Carol LeBeau, former ABC News Anchor. He has created relationships and appeared on many local and national media stations and live interviews with CNN, FOX News, ABC, and National Public Radio.

“Andy’s understanding and passion for connecting people, personally, with the work of the Salk faculty is key to the future of science and discovery at the Salk,” said William R. Brody, president of the Salk Institute.

A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in Communications, Hoang’s work has been recognized with a myriad of awards: San Diego Emmy Award; regional Edward R. Murrow; Society of Professional Journalist Award; and several from the Healthcare Communicators including the Gold Award for Crisis Communications, Gold Award for Public Service/Advocacy Campaign, Best in Show Award for Proposition BB, and Best Government & Public Relations Campaign.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world’s preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.