On the Move: ICR's Westwicke Health Unit Hires O'Brien

Michael O'Brien

Westwicke, ICR’s healthcare PR practice, hires Michael O’Brien as managing director. O’Brien most recently served as VP of corporate communications for the University of Maryland Medical System. He previously led the Washington, DC office of JPA Health, was global head of corporate communications at MedImmune and served as senior VP, healthcare practice leader at imre. “Mike is a highly strategic communications advisor who helped grow a leading healthcare agency to scale,” said ICR Westwicke partner Terri Clevenger. “Having worked at a major biotech company and run communications for a large hospital system during the pandemic, his unique experience in applying communications skills during adverse times makes him well-equipped to help bring our practice to the next level.

Richard George

Cargo appoints Richard George, a former executive at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and Publicis, as public relations director. At Publicis, George served as U.S. Director of Business Operations. He was previously a vice president in the New York office of Ogilvy and has also held positions with Rubenstein Public Relations and Grant PR as well as serving as director of public relations for the Public Relations Society of America. “Richard’s experience with Ogilvy and Publicis in New York will enable us to better meet a client’s public relations needs and promote the Cargo brand,” said Cargo CEO Toby Stansell.

Gil Bashe

VyTrac Health, which provides Remote Patient Monitoring digital health technologies, adds Finn Partners global health chair Gil Bashe to its corporate strategic advisory board. Bashe will advise VyTrac executives on their public health and communications efforts in addressing health equity and overcoming racial disparities. VyTrac's smartphone-enabled technology supports the move toward reduction in hospital readmissions through daily monitoring and early intervention. "Gil has been at the forefront of addressing how medical advances, physician dedication and patient need can be supported by digital connections," said VyTrac co-founder and CEO Zachary Fink. "His counsel on how VyTrac can be used to address both patient health disparities and advance health innovation will advance our mission to address pressing health needs." Bashe also serves on the advisory boards of the Decentralized Trials Research Alliance, Galien Foundation, Let's Win for Pancreatic Cancer, Marfan Foundation, and mHealth Israel, in addition to serving as a strategic advisor to behavioral health company Newtopia.

Montieth Illingworth

Of Home, Family and Future, an organization that helps college-bound foster youth and survivors of domestic violence, has named Montieth & Company CEO and global managing partner Montieth Illingworth to its board of directors. Through its programs, OHFF provides comprehensive and customized support services to people who possess the desire and drive to succeed but lack the opportunity and resources. “Montieth’s passion for our work and mission, as well as his many professional skills, make him a tremendous asset to our team,” said OHFF executive director Tanisha Browne. M&Co has also supported such organizations as The New York Center for Children, Ronald McDonald House New York, The Southern Poverty Law Center, and Food Bank NYC.