Podcast Summary: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Guest: Julia Dellitt, Vice President, Marketing Communications, UnityPoint Health
Host: Gracelyn Keller
Date: January 10, 2026
Event: 13th Annual CEO and CFO Roundtable (Live Recording)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Gracelyn Keller interviews Julia Dellitt, VP of Marketing Communications at UnityPoint Health. The conversation centers on growth strategies, the evolving nature of marketing and communications in healthcare, impactful internal projects, and essential leadership qualities for healthcare executives as organizations face rapid change and technological advancement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Julia Dellitt’s Background & Role

• Julia’s Experience:
  • Over a decade with UnityPoint Health, moving from communications and PR into broader marketing leadership
  • Extensive nonprofit experience, both in large and small communities, with a mission-oriented focus
  • Recently assumed responsibilities for all marketing functions ([00:52])

Growth Strategy for 2026–2027

• Community-based Focus:
  • UnityPoint Health operates across three states with ~30,000 employees
• Marketing & Brand Differentiation:
  • Strong brand presence and impactful campaigns to highlight quality and the unique care UnityPoint offers
• Internal Communications as Priority:
  • "From a workforce standpoint, how do we translate what we're doing from a strategy standpoint to our employees and team members so that they understand what's in it for them in a more concise way?" – Julia ([01:44])
  • The challenge: Relentless pace of change and communications volume in healthcare
• Strategic Translation:
  • Marketing and communication's role is to bridge business initiatives and employee understanding
  • Staying prepared for unexpected developments and conveying information effectively ([01:26]–[02:30])

Notable Initiatives & Projects

• Digital Modernization/Internal ‘Clean Up’:
  • Current focus: Making processes and tools more tech-forward and efficient across marketing communications
  • Involves tech upgrades, process redesign, and significant change management
• AI Adoption – Carefully Curated:
  • "There are a ton of AI tools that are available, so it's really figuring out what makes sense for an organization of our size... without getting sucked into like the newest trend." – Julia ([02:50])
• Purpose:
  • Increase efficiency to better serve both the organization and its members
  • Avoid haphazard adoption of technology in favor of sustainability and true need ([02:42]–[03:29])

Leadership Advice for Healthcare Executives

• Strategic Partnership with Marketing/Communications:
  • Effective leaders view marketing communications as a strategic partner at the executive table
• Executive Presence – Internal & External:
  • Necessity for executives to have authentic presence to appear "confident and humble" ([03:53])
  • Willingness to adapt and experiment with communication styles, tailored to individual executives
  • Some are naturally more forward; others may be hesitant, but presence is vital
• Julia’s Take:
  • "The most successful ones not only view marketing communications as a strategic partner... but also have to be open and nimble in terms of what their executive communication program looks like." – Julia ([03:38])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Internal Communication Challenges

  • "The volume of communications and the pace of change is pretty relentless. I think that's true for all healthcare systems right now."
    – Julia Dellitt ([01:59])

• On Evaluating Tech Trends

  • "There are a ton of AI tools that are available, so it's really figuring out what makes sense for an organization of our size... without getting sucked into like the newest trend."
    – Julia Dellitt ([02:50])

• On Leadership & Communication

  • "Healthcare executives have to have that presence internally and externally to show up as a confident and humble leader for their organization."
    – Julia Dellitt ([03:53])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:52: Julia introduces her background and role
• 01:26: Growth strategy and brand differentiation discussed
• 02:42: Most impactful current initiative: internal digital modernization and AI evaluation
• 03:37: Julia’s advice to healthcare executives about leadership and communication programs
• 03:53: Necessity of executive presence inside and outside the organization

Tone & Style

Julia’s insights are pragmatic, direct, and reflect her deep experience in mission-driven healthcare communication. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful technology adoption, transparent and concise internal communication, and true partnership between executives and their marketing/communications leaders.

This episode provides actionable strategies and candid leadership advice for healthcare leaders navigating change, technology, and communication challenges in a fast-paced environment.