The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Appoints Christy DeSantis as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

NEW YORK – October 30, 2023 – Christy DeSantis, an accomplished marketing executive, begins her tenure today as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Tasked with steering the Foundation’s marketing and communications strategies, DeSantis joins the senior leadership team, playing a crucial role in shaping impactful initiatives across the organization.

DeSantis brings more than 25 years of experience leading award-winning brand transformations, and developing high-impact communications and marketing plans targeting healthcare professionals, patients, and the media.

“Desantis’ background with Fortune 500 companies and prestigious agencies brings a depth of strategic understanding to our team,” said Michael Osso, President & CEO of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. “Her ability to forge meaningful cross-sector partnerships and her dedication to creating diverse and inclusive teams are integral to her leadership style. We're excited about the perspectives she will bring to enhance the Foundation’s reach and impact."

Previously, DeSantis spent 15 years at Unilever, where she pioneered the first global healthcare communications and marketing department for its personal care division. Following her time at Unilever, Christy led all communications and marketing activities for Weight Watcher's brand transformation for its healthcare division, including crafting all communications to B2B clients for the COVID-prompted technology transformation from a historically brick-and-mortar company to a fully virtual, online digital service. She then served as the Head of Scientific Credentialing and Healthcare Professional Marketing at Lippe Taylor, where she established a new Center of Excellence for marketing and brand credentialing. 

She has advised a spectrum of professionals including scientists, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives on strategic media and messaging strategies. She has pioneered collaborations to drive awareness for health conditions and diseases.  DeSantis has been an active collaborator with R&D scientists, including contributions to peer-reviewed publications.

DeSantis is committed to fostering professional growth and development in her teams and recently became a certified coach to help others achieve their career goals, improve their confidence, and inspire positive culture.

“I'm thrilled to join the Foundation and leverage my branding expertise to ensure our mission resonates powerfully and effectively in our crucial fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, directly impacting the lives of millions," said DeSantis.

Contact:
Rachel Peifer
[email protected]

About the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization focused on both research and patient support for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the mission of curing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life for the millions of Americans living with IBD. The Foundation’s work is dramatically accelerating the research process, while also providing extensive educational and support resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public. For more information, visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org, call 888-694-8872, or email [email protected].