Sarah Hooks
Garner
Summary
Experienced healthcare leader with over 10 years in managed care and provider network management, now seeking to leverage strategic communication expertise in a senior public relations role. Proven success in cross-functional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and performance optimization. Adept at translating complex healthcare initiatives into compelling narratives for internal and external audiences. Skilled in managing crisis communications, media relations, and strategic messaging across Medicaid and Medicare programs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, Provider Relations
WellCare of North Carolina
02.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded strategic communications for provider engagement initiatives, aligning messaging with corporate goals and regional priorities.
- Delivered executive-level presentations and reports using PowerBI, informing leadership on network performance and public-facing initiatives.
- Represented WellCare at statewide healthcare conferences, enhancing brand visibility and stakeholder trust.
- Led crisis communication efforts during Medicaid Go-Live, coordinating messaging between health systems and internal teams.
- Collaborated with state agencies and joint operations committees to manage public-facing issues and ensure consistent messaging.
Provider Network Administrator
WellCare of North Carolina
07.2019 - 02.2022
- Served as liaison between WellCare and all contracted hospital facilities statewide, supporting Medicaid Go-Live.
- Led planning and execution of joint operations meetings, focusing on provider performance, claims resolution, and compliance.
- Provided training to new hires and external providers, including orientation sessions and portal usage guidance.
- Facilitated public relations efforts through provider education campaigns, including Value Added Benefits (VABs) and quality metrics.
- Partnered with marketing and communications teams to align provider messaging with corporate branding.
Senior Provider Relations Specialist
WellCare Health Plans
08.2016 - 07.2019
- Managed relationships with contracted providers across specialties, ensuring satisfaction and compliance with WellCare policies.
- Delivered provider training on systems, claims resolution, HEDIS, and other quality metrics.
- Supported ongoing performance monitoring and reporting through utilization reviews and analytics tools.
Provider Relations Specialist / Referral Team Manager
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic
09.2015 - 07.2016
- Liaised between physicians and health plans to resolve insurance and billing issues.
- Managed referral team of 3 and implemented cross-training and performance review processes.
- Created process improvements that significantly reduced internal errors and financial write-offs.
Education
Broadcast Journalism -
University of North Texas
Denton, TX01.2008
Marketing -
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA01.2005
Skills
- Strategic Communications & Messaging
- Media Relations & Crisis Communications
- Provider Relations Strategy
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Executive Reporting & Presentation
- Healthcare Industry Trend Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- M&A Communications Support
- Data Tools: ServiceNow
- Provider Network Management
- Claims Resolution & Regulatory Compliance
Accomplishments
- Selected to participate in the launch of the Frontline Leader Development Program, in partnership with Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning
Certification
- Completed a six-month Industry Immersion Program, Essentials of Managed Health Care
Frontline Leader Development Program
Harvard Business School accredited 16 week course
Timeline
Manager, Provider Relations
WellCare of North Carolina
02.2022 - Current
Provider Network Administrator
WellCare of North Carolina
07.2019 - 02.2022
Senior Provider Relations Specialist
WellCare Health Plans
08.2016 - 07.2019
Provider Relations Specialist / Referral Team Manager
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic
09.2015 - 07.2016
Marketing -
Georgia Southern University
Broadcast Journalism -
University of North Texas