Strategic Communications

We oversee strategic communications and marketing as well as customer-centric initiatives.

Meet Our Team

  • Erin James

    • Executive Director, Communications and Strategic Initiatives
    Erin James

  • Damaris Brito

    • Director, Strategic Initatives

    As director of Strategic Initiatives, Damaris Brito brings 20 years of experience in strategic management across multi-site operations to the Facilities team. In her role, Damaris is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance customer experience and optimize service delivery for the division. Among many other skills that she brings to support CUIMC’s mission, Damaris has extensive experience creating standard operating procedures, recording and reporting data, preparing budgets, executing marketing strategies, and integrating revenue control systems.

    Before joining the team in June 2022, Damaris served as a regional manager for SP Plus Corporation, where she was responsible for daily operations at numerous facilities including planning and implementation, maintenance, site safety, personnel, and HR-related matters while providing excellent customer service.

    Memberships:

    • Executive Board Director, West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center, Inc.
    Damaris Brito, Assistant Director of Campus Services

  • Rachell Burgos

    • Customer Experience Coordinator

    Rachell Burgos joined the Facilities Management Customer Service Center team in April 2022 as the customer experience coordinator. In this role, she is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the CUIMC Facilities Customer Service Center by proactively communicating between Facilities Management and members of the medical center community.

    Rachell has previous experience in administrative/receptionist/facilities roles.

    Rachell Burgos

  • Christine Jennette

    • Customer Experience Manager

    As the customer experience manager, Christine Jennette serves as the customer ambassador for Facilities Management and works to support the division-wide strategic goal to provide exceptional customer experience and foster a customer-centric culture. Christine oversees the day-to-day efforts of the Facilities Customer Service Center and collaborates with representatives from across the division to address and resolve any customer-related issues.

    Christine Jennette first joined Columbia University Irving Medical Center in early 2015 as a service representative for the Facilities Customer Service Center. In September 2021, she was promoted to customer experience manager. 

    Christine received a bachelor of science in emergency management from the State University of New York College of Technology at Canton.

    Christine Jennette

  • Prerana Shidhaye

    • Strategic Communications Coordinator

    In her role as the strategic communications coordinator, Prerana Shidhaye seeks opportunities to contribute to science, communication, and practices within the sphere of Public Health. Prerana was born and raised in the Carolinas, and recently moved to NYC to join the CUIMC Strategic Communications team in July of 2022. As the strategic communications coordinator, she works to help facilitate and distribute communications between campus services, facilities, student health, and housing. 

    Prerana received a master of public health from George Washington University and a bachelor of science in psychology from the University of South Carolina. In her free time, you may find Prerana indoor cycling, exploring Manhattan, or consuming copious amounts of ice cream.

    Image of Prerana Shidhaye, Strategic Communications Coordinator, for CUIMC Facilities.

  • Chris Stoker

    • Strategic Communications Manager

    Specializing in content creation and curation, Chris Stoker works within the Strategic Communications team to facilitate and integrate communications between CUIMC and Facilities Management & Campus Services. His scope is both tactical and strategic, requiring elements of internal consulting, content strategy, and project management. He also provides direct communications services, web content support, and strategic initiative development for Student Health on Haven.

    Chris joined CUIMC in 2021, coming from his role as communications manager for The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training in Suffern, NY. Chris received a bachelor of arts in communications from Olivet Nazarene University.

    Chris Stoker

  • Michael R. Thomas

    • Customer Service Representative

    Michael R. Thomas joined the Strategic Communications team as a Customer Experience Representative in 2024. In this role, he assists in the Facilities Customer Service Center with work order management and customer inquiries, ensuring we communicate effectively with our campus community. Michael joined us with more than five years of experience in customer service, including call center operations, product support, and customer experience. He consistently demonstrates his ability to manage customer inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and ensure customer satisfaction. Michael’s extensive background, particularly in handling high volumes of customer interactions and providing tailored support, is an asset to the Facilities Customer Service Center.