Renee Fry has been named director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Public Affairs. She succeeds Sandy Goetzinger-Comer, who has served as director of public affairs for the past 13 years and has stepped down to assume a new role as senior associate director in charge of UNMC’s use of emerging communications technology.
A Wisconsin native, Fry previously served as the first director of UNMC’s government relations office since it was started in 2005. Before coming to UNMC, Fry held several positions working with Nebraska legislators. She served as legislative aide and legal counsel to then Speaker of the Legislature Doug Kristensen, as legal counsel to the Judiciary Committee, then chaired by Sen. Kermit Brashear of Omaha, and as legislative aide to Sen. Joel Johnson of Kearney.
From 2003 to 2005, Fry served in the legal department of First Data Corp. in Omaha. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993 and her law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1998.
Bob Bartee, UNMC vice chancellor for external affairs, said Fry during her tenure at UNMC and in her other positions has displayed a strong understanding of government, the media and how both entities work with the medical center.
“Renee brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of how UNMC is viewed in the public eye and she has a firm grasp on what should be done to ensure the medical center remains a bright spot in Nebraska and beyond,” Bartee said. “Rapid changes are occurring in the world of health care and in the media. Renee understands these changes and has a clear vision on what needs to be done for UNMC to maintain a high standing in the public eye. She thinks strategically and effectively advocates for UNMC.”
An Omaha native, Goetzinger-Comer joined UNMC in 1989 as publications coordinator. She was named director of public affairs in 1994. She is a 1974 graduate of Creighton University.
Prior to coming to UNMC, Goetzinger-Comer served as reporter/production manager for the Midlands Business Journal from 1974 to 1982 and as a writer/editor for the Mutual of Omaha Companies from 1982 to 1989.
With her new position, Goetzinger-Comer will be involved in the design and implementation of new Web-based communications initiatives to help build affinity groups to advocate for UNMC and position the medical center as a national leader in the field of emerging communications technologies.
“To succeed in the rapidly changing world of communications, UNMC must promote its brand in this new competitive environment,” Bartee said. “The public is turning from traditional media — such as newspapers, radio and television — to seek the information they want through new electronic channels, such as audio and video podcasts, blogs and text messaging, on their own schedules and delivered in the formats they prefer.”
UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through their commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology and ophthalmology. UNMC’s research funding from external sources now exceeds $80 million annually and has resulted in the creation of more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs in the state. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 513 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.