Erica Huntzinger is a visionary communications leader, writer, and healthcare strategist with more than 30 years of experience guiding public relations, project management, and outreach efforts for mission-driven organizations. As the Founder and Principal of Renaissance Public Relations, Erica brings a creative, empathetic, and strategic approach to helping clients amplify their stories and build authentic engagement. She is known for her ability to craft narratives that resonate, advocate for causes with compassion, and lead projects with precision and purpose.
Her diverse career spans across healthcare, nonprofit communications, media production, and arts & entertainment. Erica currently serves as a Communications Specialist and Associate Producer for the phaware® global association, a nonprofit focused on raising global awareness of pulmonary hypertension. In this role, she co-produces the award-winning I’m Aware That I’m Rare podcast, recognized by Feedspot as the #1 Podcast to Follow in 2020 and #3 in 2024. Her work includes sourcing and prepping guests, producing content, managing campaigns, and connecting with patient communities in a meaningful way.
Earlier in her career, Erica spent over a decade at Kaiser Permanente, where she rose through the ranks in various roles within healthcare operations. As Project Manager, she led major initiatives that improved patient care workflows, supported strategic symposia, and ensured operational excellence. Her contributions earned her multiple “Everyday Hero” and “Inspiring Excellence” awards. Her time at Kaiser Permanente deeply shaped her understanding of health systems and the importance of compassionate, efficient care.
Erica’s experience also includes serving as a Provider Recruiter at QTC Management, where she supported veteran disability claims by recruiting and onboarding medical professionals in underserved areas. She has managed complex contracts, coordinated with diagnostic providers nationwide, and played a key role in expanding access to care for U.S. veterans. Her ability to navigate healthcare networks and build lasting relationships continues to be one of her defining strengths.
She is also a published author and essayist. Her heartfelt writing has been featured on Medium, The Mighty, and Pulmonary Hypertension News. Among her most notable articles are Unforgettable: My Reflections on the High Life Years with Ana Maria and Wayne Shorter, and a deeply personal essay, What Family Illnesses Taught Me About Meeting the Moment. Erica uses storytelling as a tool to drive awareness, build empathy, and humanize healthcare and caregiving experiences.
Her passion for writing extends to children’s literature. Erica is the author of several children’s books including Cosmo Finds His Forever Home, How Much I Love You, and When We Say Goodnight. Her books celebrate love, connection, and belonging — values that also guide her professional work. Cosmo Finds His Forever Home has been endorsed by the House Rabbit Society and the Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation, a testament to Erica’s unique ability to fuse advocacy, creativity, and storytelling.
Erica holds a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from UCLA and a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Saint Mary’s University, where she was recognized on the Dean’s List and honored in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She also completed a Project Management certification through UCLA Extension. Her education underpins a lifelong commitment to learning, excellence, and public service.
She is a proud member of the UCLA Alumni Association and supports causes related to arts and culture, education, and health. Erica actively engages in professional mentoring and volunteers with organizations aligned with her mission to uplift underserved communities and champion innovative solutions in healthcare and communication.
Now actively seeking board or advisory opportunities, Erica is excited to contribute her unique blend of skills to organizations at the intersection of health, wellness, and the arts. She brings a fresh perspective, a collaborative spirit, and a deep respect for purpose-driven leadership. Her holistic approach makes her an asset to any board focused on strategic storytelling, organizational culture, and public engagement.
Character:
Erica is guided by integrity, empathy, and a deep-rooted commitment to purposeful work. Her colleagues describe her as authentic, dependable, and mission-aligned in everything she does.
Knowledge:
She brings a multidisciplinary understanding of healthcare systems, communications, project management, and public policy. Her educational and professional background allows her to navigate both operational and creative domains with ease.
Strategic:
Erica excels at identifying opportunities for improvement and aligning messaging with organizational goals. She’s a natural planner and problem-solver who brings structure and innovation to complex projects.
Communication:
A gifted storyteller and seasoned public relations professional, Erica has a proven ability to engage audiences, foster connection, and translate complex topics into accessible, impactful messaging.
