THE HEALTHCARE NEWS NETWORK TEAM

John Biffar

Founding Partner

John@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

A founding partner of the Healthcare News Network, John brings the heart and soul to the network. John has served as a Director, Producer, Writer, Photographer and On-Air Talent for the past twenty-five years. Starting the network from his base company, Dreamtime Entertainment, John has been nominated for an Academy Award and won numerous Telly’s, four regional Emmy Awards as well as a First Place Gold Camera Award for Best Documentary. With over 15 years of experience hosting the “Health Matters” segment for two local news stations, John knows the importance of healthy living and awareness. Informing everyone on important medical issues is what John Biffar is dedicated to and his vision of making healthcare “cool” is a driving force at HNN.

Fernando Polanco

Regional Vice President of Sales

Fernando@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

For the past 10 years Fernando has a proven track record as a senior sales executive exceeding sales goals and successfully driving revenue having sold out of home advertising. He was awarded the prestigious "President's Award" with Clear Channel Outdoor as one of the top national sales executives within the organization in 2007. Fernando also launched the sales initiative as a National Sales Manager for Motion Media, a digital billboard company with units located in Times Square which became a subsidiary of Viacom Outdoor in New York City.

Dave Beaty

Senior Producer/Director/Editor

Dave@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Dave Beaty, an award winning videographer and editor brings 2 decades of unique story telling expertise to the production department of Healthcare News Network. Through creative editing, videography, dynamic media design & 3d graphics Dave puts his heart and soul into each HNN masterpiece he creates.

Deirdre Murphy

VP of Programming

deirdre@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Deirdre Murphy has a wide range of television and marketing experience, from live television production and producing, to creating marketing campaigns for over 10 years. She has worked with Suze Orman, Louis Rukeyser, and Geraldo Rivera. Deirdre comes to Healthcare News Network after working with NBC and ABC affiliates, CNBC, and NBC's Nightly News.

Triston Sanders

HNN National Network Anchor

Triston is the National Network Anchor for the Healthcare News Network. Her journalism background is extensive. Triston has worked as an anchor and reporter in newsrooms across Florida: WCTV in Tallahassee, WINK-TV in Fort Myers and WWSB in Sarasota. Her role as a Medical Reporter establishes her as a knowledgeable journalist in the field, allowing her to inform viewers about the importance of good health and shed light on the latest medical advancements. She has a solid foundation after having worked as a producer at WFLA in Tampa, WSVN in Miami and WPBF in West Palm Beach. In 2000, The Florida Associated Press Broadcasters awarded Triston the best in her category in the state for "Individual Achievement." She was named "Broadcaster of the Year" in 2002 by NAMI. Triston donates her time to The American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's disease, The Humane Society of the United States and many other charities. She graduated with honors from Florida State University where she now teaches as an Adjunct Instructor in the College of Communication to educate future journalists.

David Essel, M.S.

Talent/HNN Contributor

Rachelle Kennedy

HNN Anchor

Rachelle Kennedy Grossman brings you the news. With more than 15 years experience as a television and radio news anchor, reporter, producer and writer, her broadcasting background is rich and varied. As the first reporter in North Carolina to broadcast a laser eye surgery on LIVE television, she’s dedicated to bringing people the very latest and best in medical technology. Using her experience on all sides of the camera, she’s traveled the country to interview our nation’s top political players, sports heroes and Hollywood celebrities. She’s even jumped out of an airplane to cover a story! As a spokesperson, show host, and voice-over talent, her career has taken her to states all across the East Coast and Midwest. Her husband’s job required moves to Korea and Europe, before they finally landed in Southwest Florida where they are raising their young family.

Amy Oshier

HNN Anchor

Amy brings more than a dozen years of reporting experience to the HNN team. In 2006, Amy returned to Southwest Florida where she spent several years reporting for WBBH in Ft. Myers, working her way up to investigative reporter. Her career also included stops in Sarasota and the Orlando market where she provided in-depth coverage of the Kennedy Space Center and the Space Shuttle program, focusing on science and technology. In 2001, Amy was awarded the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award for breaking news relating to the 9/11 attacks. In 1999 her work was recognized by the Associated Press with a first place honor for feature reporting. Amy now brings her well-rounded experience and research-based skills to HNN, delivering news about the latest medical developments and technologies. She is a proud graduate of the University of Florida.

Cristina Puig

HNN Anchor

Cristina Puig is based in Miami, Florida as a freelance news correspondent for CNN en Espanol.

Max Soto

Editor/Shooter

Max@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Our multi-talented Max has been a huge asset in the production of HNN. His creativity and artistic vision is key when creating the best footage for use in our Healthcare News Network segments. Max has been around since his intern days and continues to impress us with his growing skill. He has amazing drive to make HNN the best it can be for all of its viewers!

Whitney Sickels

Producer and Host of Naturally Speaking

Whitney@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

A Florida native, Whitney brings experience from television news and media buying. She worked at WINK-TV in Fort Myers while completing her degree with honors in communication from Florida Gulf Coast University. Whitney also worked as a media buyer at a local marketing firm. Helping people understand the importance of taking care of the environment is Whitney's passion. You can catch her on her segment, Naturally Speaking, where she explores easy and fun ways to help you green your life!

Scott Biffar

Photographer / Editor

Scott@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Mandy Lawrence

Mandy@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Mandy Lawrence moved to the Sunshine State from Virginia in 2007. Mandy brings several years of print and broadcast journalism experience to the Healthcare News Network. She began her career as a reporter for WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, Virginia and later began pursuing a Master’s degree in Journalism Education which she hopes to complete here in Florida. Mandy loves to write and is passionate about storytelling which is why she enjoys producing our “Health Matters” segment every weekday. Mandy is a proud graduate of the Perley Issac Reed School of Journalism at West Virginia University. Go Mountaineers!

Sergio Munoz

Photographer / Editor

Sergio@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Vanessa Anderson

Hospital Care Team Coordinator

vanessa@healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Vanessa joined the Healthcare News Network in September 2007. Having graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor in Communication and a concentration in Interpersonal and Organization Relations, Vanessa brings much experience in retention marketing and database management. Her strong background has brought organization and flow to the Hospital Care Team department and we look forward to expanding her innovative ideas into other departments within the network.