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Susan S. Smirnoff is Executive Vice President and Co-head of the New York HealthCare Practice of Ruder Finn, Inc. She began her career at the firm in 1979 and has been involved in HealthCare accounts exclusively since 1983. Currently overseeing several programs for Novartis, including their Oncology franchise, Susan is responsible for providing expert counsel on strategic direction, creative development and execution of client accounts.

Over the past 18 years, Susan's work has included marketing support for Rx-to-OTC product switches, patient recruitment in several therapeutic categories and high-profile disease awareness programs integrating celebrity spokespersons. Her account teams have been recognized with numerous awards, including Creativity in Public Relations Awards in 1998 and 1999 and a certificate of commendation from the Public Relations Society of America.

Prior to joining Ruder Finn, Susan worked in Washington for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and as a reporter covering health and consumer affairs legislation and regulatory activity.