SALEM — Salem Regional Medical Center (SRMC) has named Mike Santillo as its new Director of Public Relations and Marketing.

In his new role, Santillo will be responsible for directing the branding, advertising and marketing strategies for all divisions of the hospital; and leading media and community relations efforts for SRMC and its outlying facilities in Lisbon and Columbiana. He is replacing SRMC’s outgoing PR Director Michele Hoffmeister, who is retiring Nov. 1.

Santillo brings 16 years of extensive writing, public relations and marketing experience to the position. He comes to SRMC from Steward Health Care, where he was the marketing manager at Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital. Traditional and digital media, promotions, marketing, social media, website and event management were some of his key priorities for both hospitals. 

Previously, Santillo served as the public relations officer at Trumbull Community Action Program (TCAP) in Warren, overseeing all public relations efforts for the agency. He began his career in Salem as a sportswriter for the Salem News and has written for various publications across three states, covering numerous topics.

“Mike Santillo brings in-depth knowledge of healthcare marketing and communications strategies to his role at the Hospital,” said Debbie Pietrzak, Vice President of Marketing/Planning at SRMC. “As an experienced writer, marketing manager and media spokesperson; Mike will help SRMC continue to build strong relationships with our patients and community stakeholders as we fulfill our mission.”

Santillo earned a master of arts degree in English from Youngstown State University, with a concentration in professional writing and editing.