Penny Mitchell

Penny Mitchell is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA).1 She joined the organization in October 2024, bringing over three decades of experience in healthcare communications to her role.1

Professional Background

Penny Mitchell has an extensive career in the healthcare communications field:

• She has worked at leading agencies such as Fleishman-Hillard, Porter/Novelli, and dna/Weber Shandwick.1
• Prior to joining LRA, she served as Executive Vice President and Health Practice Lead at Makovsky, an independent PR firm specializing in regulated industries including healthcare.1
• She also held the position of U.S. Health Practice Lead for Hill & Knowlton Strategies.1
• Her career began at the Will Rogers Institute, a non-profit pulmonary research organization.1

Expertise

Penny Mitchell's expertise includes:

• Integrated brand planning
• Corporate reputation management
• Issues and crisis management
• Media strategy
• Data communications
• Public/private partnerships
• Advocacy relations

She has particular strength in autoimmune diseases, having launched several highly effective communications campaigns for pharmaceutical companies working in lupus, psoriasis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and thyroid disorders.1

Role at Lupus Research Alliance

As Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at LRA, Penny Mitchell is responsible for:

• Overseeing the organization's strategic communications approach
• Leading lupus research worldwide
• Promoting the value of participation by all sectors of the lupus community1

Andrea O'Neill, LRA Executive Director, praised Mitchell's addition to the team, highlighting her creativity, strategic thinking, scientific acumen, and dedication to empowering people with challenging medical issues.1

Penny Mitchell expressed her enthusiasm for joining the LRA, recognizing the organization's commitment to funding research, forging collaboration, and finding a cure for lupus.1