Elizabeth Nikels

Vice President, Marketing and Communications

As a member of senior leadership, Ms. Nikels is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the image and reputation of the Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS) and its Local Health Ministries, and crafting system messages on key issues consistent with the overall strategic direction of DCHS.

Ms. Nikels has nearly 20 years of communications and public relations experience. She began her health care career in Southern California, working for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. Her responsibilities included all aspects of public relations, media relations and marketing. Ms. Nikels’ experience also includes working in South America, where she served as a reporter, medical translator and English teacher in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Prior to joining DCHS, Ms. Nikels worked for Banner Health in Phoenix, Arizona.

In her role for DCHS, Ms. Nikels provides communication support to the DCHS President and CEO, including issues management and crisis communications, making sure to preserve the reputation of the Daughters of Charity Health System. She ensures that collateral materials, publications, advertising, and website communications across the system are of high quality and accurately represent DCHS and its Mission. Additionally, Ms. Nikels serves as the primary spokesperson for DCHS.

Ms. Nikels received her bachelor of science degree in Journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and Society for Healthcare Marketing and Strategic Development. Additionally, in 2010 Ms. Nikels was appointed to the Communications Advisory Committee for the Catholic Health Association of the United States. She is a graduate of the Sacramento, California-based Ministry Leadership Formation Program, a three-year program for leaders in Catholic health care.