Derse Strengthens Healthcare Practice with Key Leadership Additions
Carrie Johnson and Corinna Chan strengthen the next chapter of Derse Healthcare, bringing complementary expertise to help life sciences organizations navigate an increasingly complex healthcare marketplace.
Johnson and Chan each bring more than three decades of experiential marketing experience, including leadership roles supporting many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.
Johnson, based on the East Coast, and Chan, based on the West Coast, will both step into senior account director roles at Derse. They were drawn to Derse because they recognized a company that shares their philosophy: putting clients first, investing in exceptional healthcare talent, remaining proudly independent, and continually evolving to meet the changing needs of healthcare marketers.
Both most recently served in healthcare client leadership roles at Sparks and previously worked alongside Vice President of Client Development, Healthcare, Jon Ellms at Access TCA. Together, they bring decades of shared experience helping life sciences organizations maximize the impact of congresses, conventions, and healthcare professional engagement.
Strategic Vision with a Client-First Perspective
In her role at Sparks as Vice President, Strategic Accounts, and throughout her career, Johnson has helped pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies elevate their congress presence, strengthen engagement with healthcare professionals, and maximize the value of their marketing investments through thoughtful strategy and innovative thinking. Known for her ability to challenge conventional approaches, Johnson develops engagement strategies that connect business objectives with memorable human experiences.
“I’ve long admired Derse for its reputation, integrity, and creative thinking. What ultimately drew me here was the company’s commitment to investing in exceptional healthcare talent while remaining proudly independent during a period when much of the industry has shifted toward private equity ownership.”
— Carrie Johnson
Operational Excellence with a Global Perspective
Most recently, Chan served as Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Sparks, where she led integrated client teams responsible for global congresses, product launches, and strategic event programs. Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and operational expertise, Chan has built a reputation for translating complex business challenges into streamlined, client-focused solutions while consistently delivering large-scale programs with precision and accountability.
“Throughout my career, I’ve believed that great client partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and consistently delivering on your promises. Derse has earned that reputation over many years, and I’m excited to join an organization that is investing so intentionally in the future of healthcare.”
— Corinna Chan
Building the Next Chapter of Derse Healthcare
Johnson and Chan’s appointments reflect Derse’s continued commitment to evolving alongside the healthcare industry and the clients it serves. Built on decades of healthcare experience and intentionally designed for what’s next, Derse Healthcare brings together experienced leadership, fresh perspectives, nationwide client support, and global execution to help life sciences organizations create more meaningful, measurable, and impactful engagement with healthcare professionals.
About Derse
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Derse is a family-owned experiential marketing agency and exhibit builder with nearly 600 employees across seven full-service divisions in the U.S. and Europe. For over 75 years, Derse has created award-winning exhibits, events, and environments in more than 50 countries, earning recognition as one of the most respected companies in the industry. Experiences Matter at Derse. Learn more at www.derse.com.
Media Contact:
Stacey Nelson, VP of Marketing
Derse
414-290-3073
snelson@derse.com
Evolve Your Healthcare Experiential Marketing with Derse
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