1. R. Clay Ballard
317 Pacific Street Apartment D3
Brooklyn, New York 11201
347-703-0710 or dazzleone@earthlink.net
COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL
Communications Professional with a demonstrated background in Health Insurance and Healthcare with EmblemHealth,
Inc., as well as other social service agencies and arts organizations. Strong capabilities in strategically developing,
managing and executing communications plans that meet organizational objectives. Able to marshal resources, including
internal and external information gathering, corporate and government policy, print and publishing vendors. Proven track
record of success at generating printed and electronic communications.
MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Written Communications ● Project Management ● Strategic Planning
Proposal Writing ● Administrative Organization ● Event Planning
● Metrics and Evaluation ● Web Development
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Managed communications planning for medical providers at EmblemHealth, Inc. I collaborated with staff at every level of
the enterprise. Projects included multiple New York State-mandated incentive payment plans, new healthcare initiatives
such as one of the country’s first patient-centered care models, creating promotional and training materials for several
disease care and wellness programs. Developed communications for a brand-new provider network in response to health
care reforms mandated by the Affordable Care Act. For nine years wrote and edited quarterly newsletters through the
transition from print to electronic publication. Oversaw complex contract and policy mailings, including a mailing with
over 400 individual lots.
Prepared letters, press releases, promotional materials, training materials, forms and other internal and external
communications for EmblemHealth, Inc., Fort Greene Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership (SNAP). I helped write
the proposal that created the Fort Greene SNAP and was a founding member of the organization.
Drafted a $125,000 federal Ryan White grant for the creation of the Fort Greene HIV Community Development Program
and became its Executive Director. Identified and assisted in drafting multiple grant proposals for various community
development and community AIDS service programs. Consulted with several arts organizations, writing text for multiple
funding opportunities. Wrote successful grants for several not-for-profit theater companies, including an ongoing grant of
$150,000 for Elevator Repair Service, an internationally known experimental theater company.
Developed strategic five-year plans for the Fort Greene SNAP and for the Fort Greene HIV Community Development
Program, presenting both to New York State for implementation and continued State support. I was elected to serve as the
interim Executive Director of the Fort Greene SNAP for three months, responsible for its administration.
Directed a major health fair staged in Fort Greene Park for over 90,000 community members. Planned borough-wide AIDS
awareness training conferences and press events for the Fort Greene HIV Community Development Program. Coordinated
monthly events on insurance-related topics for the New York Claim Association. Directed La Cage at HIP, a talent show
that built morale as HIP Health Plans merged with GHI to create EmblemHealth. Coordinated annual conferences at SUNY
Downstate Brooklyn Adolescent Service-Providers Network for AIDS Prevention (BASNAP).
Served on the Board of Directors for the Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center. Co-chaired BASNAP. Helped found and co-
chaired the 718 AIDS Coalition that brought awareness of the impact of AIDS on the outer boroughs of New York City.
Recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Elevator Repair Service. Served on the 10th
Anniversary Development
Board for the Red Bull Theater Company and on their Gala planning committee.
EMPLOYMENT
Emblem Health, New York 1997 – 2015
Senior Communications Specialist
Fort Greene Strategic Neighborhood Partnership, Brooklyn, NY 1995 – 1997
EDUCATION
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
BFA, Theater
SOFTWARE SKILLS
Microsoft Word ● Excel ● PowerPoint ● Outlook ● Access
SharePoint ● Adobe Pro ● Nuance ● Snag-It