It is my pleasure to give the highest recommendations to Andy LaGuardia, who served as the Senior Director for Network Strategic Communications at WMCHealth. Andy's proactive approach to public relations and marketing made a significant impact on our growing Ophthalmology department. Andy's consistently went above and beyond by identifying and seizing opportunities to elevate our department's visibility.

One of his standout achievements was booking one of our doctors for a national TV show, a major opportunity that significantly boosted our profile. Additionally, Andy expertly positioned another doctor as a national subject matter expert during key press interviews, showcasing his ability to build credibility and promote our physicians as leaders in the field.

Beyond these high-profile placements, Andrew also ensured that our team was consistently featured in the media whenever a relevant ophthalmology topic was in the news, helping us stay top-of-mind with the public and referring providers. His proactive outreach and strategic thinking meant that we were always ahead of the curve in terms of securing press opportunities. This was especially valuable for newer or younger faculty members.

Andy is a terrific communicator and strategist who knows how to create impactful promotional opportunities. His dedication to our success and his ability to recognize and act on timely media opportunities were invaluable. He is also kind, friendly, and approachable. I highly recommend Andy to any organization seeking someone with sharp capabilities in strategic communications and media relations.

Kelly Hutcheson, MD
Director, Ophthalmology
Westchester Medical Center

Andy is a consummate communications professional. He is inquisitive, thorough, timely, collegial, and caring about his colleagues.

In a healthcare setting, his compassion for patients, families, and the care team has led him to develop many long and trusting relationships, with many families maintaining strong relationships with Andy after they have left the care environment.

Andy is extremely loyal and trustworthy. He is committed to the confidential nature of the work both inside and outside the organization. He is extraordinarily respectful of organizational hierarchy and the importance of external relationships.

Andy can also manage people and projects in a thoughtful and competent manner. Deadlines are his strong suit, and he delivers a product that is consistently above and beyond expectations. He is a team player, but also works well solo -- whatever the work environment, Andy works.

I would highly recommend Andy for an organization looking for a solid individual capable of handling several large- and small-scale projects at once and getting the job done.

Kara Bennorth Hubertus
Retired Chief Administrative Officer; Current Foundation Vice Chair Westchester Medical Center Health Network

I've been pitched lots of stories by Andrew LaGuardia and he never missed; he would provide great story ideas, important context and the kind of support needed to ensure accurate coverage. I've been able to deliver important medical news, touching profiles and interesting angles because he knew how to do his job so well.

But we were hardly a "team" in our work together over the years -- "flack" for a key medical provider in the area vs. grumpy local news reporter. He's always been fair and forthright, ensuring that my work could also be fair and accurate, even when the focus was a tough topic to address. 

I truly respect his skill, honesty and fairness.

Nancy Cutler
Reporter, People & Policy
USA Today Network

Since I am an Infectious Diseases specialist, Andrew contacted me for media appearances about emerging infections like measles and influenza.

He was always available, motivated, and a pleasure to work with. I had almost no prior experience, and Andrew patiently trained me on all the basics. He coached me through Zoom and in-studio TV appearances as well as social media interviews and posts. Andrew always knew just what to say to help me highlight my message and break it down into digestible parts. He was enthusiastic, encouraging, and fun to be with. He had a great grasp on medical issues and an innate ability to present them to a lay public. 

So far, I have had more than 20 appearances and thoroughly enjoy working with Andrew any time he calls me. I have learned so much from him!

Marina Keller, MD
Infectious Disease Expert & Hospital Epidemiologist
Westchester Medical Center