Cara Connelly

About Cara Connelly

With more than 20 years of experience in health care and oncology communications, public relations, and marketing, I am a seasoned leader who has successfully managed complex and high-stakes projects and campaigns. As Senior Vice President Health Crisis and Issues at Edelman, I led a team of experts who provided strategic guidance, crisis management, and media relations support to health care organizations facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities.I have a passion for working with start-ups and high growth companies. My experience includes launching direct to consumer disease awareness campaigns and telehealth partnerships. I have a proven track record of delivering results and value for my clients and employers, such as being employee #30 on the team that secured FDA approval, CMS coverage and product launch for Cologuard, a breakthrough oncology test. In addition, I designed a quality-based agreement with a leading health plan, created and presented sales training and launched an executive thought leadership campaign.My core competencies include developing and executing effective communications and PR strategies, building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and media outlets, and coaching and mentoring executives and spokespeople on delivering impactful messages. My mission is to leverage my expertise and passion for health care to help organizations achieve their goals and make a positive difference in the lives of patients and communities.

Experience

1. Head of Public Relations

   Epic

   Jun 2025 — Present · Verona, WI, US

Education

• Wisconsin School of Business

  MBA

  2010 — 2012

• Northwestern University

  BSJ, Broadcast Journalism

  1995 — 1999