Meet Jan Carrico. Jan is the Digital Workplace Communications Manager for UK HealthCare.
What is one of the most memorable or rewarding experiences of your career?
As an alumnus of the University of Kentucky, it was a privilege to return to campus at UK HealthCare in dual roles to support the launch of a new electronic health record (EHR), Epic, and a new modern intranet platform.
As digital workplace communications manager, I led vendor selection, strategic development and a six-month concept-to-launch of the new intranet, The Loop, for 20,000+ users in support of the 19-month EHR project. UK HealthCare won the Interact Excellence Award 2021 for Best Intranet Launch, besting the National Basketball Association (NBA).
As change communications manager on the EHR Project Team, I provided strategic communications support to increase user Epic adoption and usage via multi-channel organizational readiness and activation communications. The June 2021 big bang launch simultaneously at three hospitals, 25 outpatient clinics and 300 departments was successful and uneventful.
What made these efforts so memorable and rewarding for me were the challenges both teams overcame to keep these digital initiatives on track during the pandemic, as well as the transformative benefits both provided to UK HealthCare and its patients.
What do you love most about the PR/Communications industry?
There are so many interesting and challenging communication problems to solve.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
How to build a network through targeted networking. It is an important skill, especially in public relations.
What do you appreciate most about being a PRSA member?
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) with the support of accredited public relations professionals in the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. Equally meaningful is the opportunity to connect with and learn from communications leaders on a local, regional and national level. There is so much to learn from the creative ways best practices are applied in different industries.
What is your favorite Central KY food spot?
I’m a new fan of Minton’s for breakfast. A lunch fav is Taziki’s Mediterranean Café. In the summer, we like to drive out to Wallace Station in Midway for a casual dinner outdoors.