Diversity and Inclusion in Public Relations

Ann Marie Gothard, Vice President, Global Corporate Media Relations, Henry Schein, Inc.

A seasoned communications professional, Ann Marie Gothard’s experience spans nearly two decades, across a variety of sectors, primarily in health care. Currently, she is Vice President, Global Corporate Media Relations for Henry Schein, Inc., where she leads all strategic media relations for the company and Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility program.

Prior to joining Henry Schein, Long Island’s largest company (by revenue), Ann Marie worked at New York City’s EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health plans, serving 3.1 million people who live and work across the New York tri-state area. She oversaw all corporate communications and creative services for EmblemHealth, which she joined in 2009 from Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she led marketing and communications programs for one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers. Ann Marie has also worked in communications and branding for Orbis International, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating blindness, and AETNA, the health care insurer. She also held leadership positions at several boutique PR firms, representing clients in automotive, energy, and government sectors.

In addition to her vast business contributions, Ann Marie has also made an invaluable impact on Team Schein. As a founding member and former Executive Sponsor of Henry Schein’s Women’s Leadership Network, and Executive Sponsor of Pride & Allies, an employee resource group for LGBTQ+ Team Members, she has helped enhance programs that contribute to Team Schein’s unique corporate culture and dedication to diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.
Ann Marie is Co-Founder of Pride Live’s Stonewall Day and has served as the organization’s Communications Advisor since 2016. As a member of Pride Live’s leadership team, Ann Marie consults on the organization’s branding, public relations, web presence, and social media strategy. Additional affiliations and roles include: Advisor, National Dental Association’s Corporate Roundtable; Board Member, Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance; Delegate, SocialMedia.org; Member, Professional Women in Health Care; Member, National Black Public Relations Society; Associate Board Member, NAF; Mentor, Stony Brook University’s Diversity Professional Leadership Network.

Ann Marie earned a bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University, where she achieved athletic honors as a member of the women’s basketball team.