Yolanda James has nearly 20 years of experience in public relations, crisis communications, social/cause-related marketing, message development and implementation and grassroots advocacy. A veteran of several hospitals and health systems, along with healthcare industry organizations, James is known for driving growth and engagement through practical campaigns.
Previous roles included stints at The University Hospital in Cincinnati, Carita Christi system in Massachusetts, Southern Regional Medical Center and DeKalb Medical in Atlanta. Before joining Jarrard, James held dual roles at Nashville Health Care Council, directing the Council’s Fellows initiative and leading content strategy for the organization as a whole. Prior to her time at NHCC, James served as the Tennessee Hospital Association’s first ever director of public relations and strategy. In that role, she oversaw and drove marked growth of THA’s Agenda 21, a summer internship program that matches minority students with hospital executives.
James’ professional love is in healthcare and nonprofits, showcased by her pride in an array of significant and successful projects:
- Being part of the team that won the Silver Anvil in Public Service by Public Relations Society of America for work with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Launching a DIY media relations toolkit for the American College of Nurse-Midwives
- Partnering with Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta to design and build out The Philanthropy Store and draft a curriculum for the Junior Achievement Discovery Center.
James holds a bachelor’s in journalism and a minor in women’s studies from Miami University (Oxford, OH).
Worth Knowing:
- Keeps the Bible, The Four Agreements and the AP Stylebook on her nightstand
- Thinks semicolons and bullet points are underutilized; never met an adverb she didn’t like
- Obsessed with all “get to know you” things including DISC, StrengthsFinder 2.0, birth order, astrology and most BuzzFeed “which character are you” quizzes