Tricia Ridgway-Kapustka is the director of communications for HealthScreen America, a private diagnostic center focusing on preventive care started by Chris and Fred Fey. Last month she was named state president of the Florida Public Relations Association.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
“I supervise the community relations efforts in partnership with non-profits. I also do media relations and work with the physician community on educational seminars, plus all other things as needed or assigned.”
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT IT?
“Knowing I’m helping HealthScreen create a national and international business that will save millions of lives down the road.”
MOST CHALLENGING?
“Not knowing what the day may hold.”
CLIENT BASE
“They’re usually adults in their 50s or 60s. Women seem to make the majority of health care decisions for the family. They call to schedule the appointments, but it’s a mix of both genders that come through.”
EDUCATION
She has a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Florida.
WHY PICK MARKETING?
“I think it gives the opportunity to have a good mix of utilizing both your analytic and creative skills. For folks who like the challenge of change and flexibility, it’s an exciting field and lots of fun. People in the field are such a varied and interesting group; those in Jacksonville are a close-knit group. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
WORK BACKGROUND
While in school, she interned for a marketing firm in Gainesville. After graduating, her employer referred her to his brother at Fey and Associates where she worked in public relations before joining the J. William Zimmer Agency, where she handled public relations for the Omni. She was director of the Children’s Miracle Network for four years before taking her current post last October.
HOMETOWN
Mansfield, Ohio.
AT HOME
Ridgway-Kapustka is married to Steve, a terminal operations manager for the port authority at Blount Island, and has two adult stepchildren, Natalie and Steven Jr.
PERSONAL PICKS
Still an active volunteer for the Children’s Miracle Network, Ridgway-Kapustka is a huge Ohio State Buckeyes and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. When football season ends, her attention shifts to the television show “The West Wing” or James Patterson novels. Other favorites include dining at Bistro Aix, traveling to Ft. Pierce to see her sister or watching the film “Steel Magnolias.”
BRUSHES WITH FAME
While employed at the Omni, she meet a number of celebrities but former first lady Barbara Bush, and Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of England, jump to mind. “They were so stately and friendly. With so many making demands on them they were still nice and genuine.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“George Bush’s speech writer. His words are touching us so deeply and bringing the country together in a common mission. He or she is doing a wonderful job.”
—by Monica Chamness