AUSTIN, TX (April 30, 2008) Capping seven years of double-digit growth in marketing to customers across the entire healthcare continuum, HC&B Healthcare Communications, one of the nation’s top 25 independent healthcare firms, has established a full-scale digital division.

The new business unit, HC&B Digital, will offer clients expanded digital capabilities, including strategy; web design and development; patient, physician and sales force education; internet marketing (search, email and social); and online media services. The division, which currently has seven employees, is expected to nearly double by the end of 2008. It will be headed by industry veteran Steven Roy, director of interactive, who has played a key role in building HC&B’s digital capabilities over the past two years.

According to Kerry Hilton, chief executive officer and one of HC&B’s founding partners, HC&B Digital was created to meet the demand for digital solutions among the agency’s clients. “The new digital division represents an expanded commitment to embracing a holistic and fully integrated approach to communicating with customers across all care settings,” he said.

Roy agreed, pointing to the Internet’s ability to break down barriers, improve communications and create personal relationships among marketers, providers,  and patients. “The goal of HC&B Digital,” he said, “is to capitalize on this potential, helping clients generate online awareness, drive qualified traffic, deliver leads, and  develop long-term relationships with their customers.”

Roy, who has a decade of experience in healthcare, technology and digital marketing, will have overall responsibility for HCB Digital, including its growth, development and day-to-day operations. He will oversee all current accounts in addition to leading new business development efforts, reporting to Kerry Hilton.

Before joining HC&B in 2006, Roy co-founded Yellow Circle, a web development agency that created online marketing initiatives, generated sales from existing customers, and oversaw creative and development teams for clients in the areas of healthcare, high tech, government, professional services and retail.

Before that, he was product manager and web developer for Net Home media, where he built online communities and developed tools to improve the user experience.

Roy, 33, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Md., and resides in Austin, Tex.

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