Michael E. Harkins

Background

About Michael E. Harkins

Award-winning Head of Production and commercial director with a proven record shaping nationally recognized healthcare campaigns that move people to action. I lead City of Hope’s in-house creative studio, Health Studios, where I oversee the strategy and execution of system-wide multimedia production—spanning national advertising, institutional storytelling, and cross-department collaboration. My work combines cinematic storytelling with brand strategy, earning ADDY, Telly, and Healthcare Ad Awards, while directly driving measurable results: from creating the #1 YouTube video on “What is cancer?” (5M+ views) to producing TV campaigns that accounted for over 75% of new patient acquisition at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). As both a creative leader and hands-on director, I translate complex science and human experiences into emotionally resonant narratives that elevate brand reputation, amplify mission, and inspire trust. At City of Hope, I also steward brand governance and media asset strategy, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and impact across all distribution channels. I thrive at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and leadership—building high-performing teams, forging enterprise-wide collaborations, and delivering stories that not only engage audiences but also strengthen institutional identity and accelerate growth.