Ms. Joyce Lofstrom

Joyce Lofstrom, MS, APR, is Senior Director, Corporate Communications, for HIMSS, a global, cause-based, not-for-profit organization focused on better health through information technology. HIMSS leads efforts to optimize health engagements and care outcomes using information technology. She joined HIMSS in 2002 to lead strategic corporate communications initiatives, including public relations and media relations programs for the Society working with trade, business and healthcare media. Her responsibilities include managing public relations activities, agencies and staff for HIMSS, including the Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition, an annual event that attracts more than 36,000 attendees, 1,100 exhibitors and 160 members of the media. At HIMSS, she introduced online registration for media, and public relations professionals who represent exhibitors at the annual HIMSS conference. In addition, working with the HIMSS PR staff and agency, she saw the need to offer these PR and marketing/communications pros important information on how to work with the media who attend this event. During the last decade, this webinar has expanded to include a media panel of three reporters and/or bloggers who share their insights on pitching stories and meeting with them at the conference. Her career has focused on health, food and nutrition communications and public relations in both the consumer and business marketplace. She managed consumer and trade public relations for Farmland Foods, Inc. and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Lofstrom was also food editor and feature writer for the Daily Herald newspaper in suburban Chicago. A native of Kansas City, Mo., Lofstrom earned her bachelor’s degree in human environmental sciences-journalism and a master’s degree in human environmental sciences-communications from the University of Missouri. She has been an adjunct instructor in public relations and mentored students and young professionals in public relations through programs with PRSA Chicago chapter and the University of Missouri Griffiths Leadership Society for Women.