MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 22, 2009 – Baptist Memorial Health Care recently welcomed Brittany Bowles as the new public relations specialist in the organization’s corporate communications department.

Before joining Baptist, Bowles – a graduate of Mississippi State University– worked as a public relations coordinator for The Zimmerman Agency, the largest public relations firm in Florida and third largest hospitality public relations firm in the country.

“I’m especially excited to bring my experience to Baptist because the organization makes quality care and service its top priorities,” said Bowles. “In addition, Baptist continues to follow the faith-based principles on which it was founded.”

Bowles’ prior work responsibilities include media relations, generating national publicity for clients, creating and executing events and serving as the main point of contact between clients and the public. Bowles is involved in a range of professional organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America and the American Marketing Association.

“Brittany has been a wonderful addition to our team,” said Ayoka Pond, Baptist’s public relations manager. “She is bright, energetic and dedicated. I know she will do great things here.”

One of the largest not-for-profit health care systems in the United States, Baptist Memorial Health Care offers a full continuum of care to communities throughout the Mid-South. The Baptist system, which consistently ranks among the top integrated health care networks in the nation, comprises 15 hospitals in West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas; more than 3,100 affiliated physicians; home, hospice and psychiatric care; minor medical centers and clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system highlighted by the Baptist College of Health Sciences. Baptist has more than 2,600 licensed beds systemwide, employs more than 12,000 people and has approximately 85,000 admissions annually. In fiscal year 2008, Baptist provided $485 million in community benefit to the communities it serves.

For more information about Baptist, please visit www.baptistonline.org or call 800-4-BAPTIST.

###