Bill Hance, director of News and Public Affairs, will become assistant vice chancellor for Medical Center News and Communications, and John Howser will become director of Medical Center News and Communications, effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Bill Hance
“The Medical Center's news and communications staff is extraordinary. Bill and John's promotions and key leadership roles in the Division of Public Affairs recognize their major accomplishments in building a world-class program, and at the same time assure alignment with the institution's overall communications activities,” said Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine.
“They have a compelling vision and are ideally positioned to promote the great work of our faculty and staff at VUMC.”
John Howser
“I have worked with Bill and John for many years, and they bring the kind of experience and expertise that will enhance the University's overall news and communications strategies,” said Beth Fortune, Vanderbilt's vice chancellor for Public Affairs. “We have exciting opportunities to promote and cover expanding programs in biomedical science and health across the entire University.”
Hance joined VUMC in June 1986, having spent 17 years at the Nashville Banner, the city's afternoon newspaper. For 11 of those years he covered entertainment, specifically country music, and for the last four years served as city editor.
He has a B.A. degree from Western Kentucky University, a J.D. degree from the Nashville School of Law and is currently chair of the Metro Health Board.
Howser joined Vanderbilt in 1987 as staff photojournalist for the Medical Center.
Since then, he has assumed increasing responsibility as VUMC's media relations director, assistant director and deputy director for the Office of News and Public Affairs.
Howser received a B.A. in photojournalism from Western Kentucky University and is a former newspaper photographer.