Two former board chairs of the Coalition for Healthcare Communication (CHC) were named as the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame (MAHF) 2025 inductees – Sharon Callahan, former Chief Client Officer at Omnicom Health Group (OHG), and Nick Colucci, former Chairman and CEO of Publicis Health/COO of Publicis Groupe North America. The inductees will be honored on February 6, 2025, at a black-tie dinner at The Pierre in New York City. Seats and tables may be reserved at https://www.mahf.com/AwardsDinner.
Nick Colucci
Nick’s career in healthcare advertising spans over 40 years, beginning in pharma sales at Hoffmann-LaRoche. There, he played a key role in major campaigns like the launch of Accutane and Rocephin’s Apple campaign. After working at a health tech startup, he joined Medicus as Managing Director and later became instrumental in Publicis Health’s creation. As President from 2006 to 2018, he unified disparate agencies under one network and established major client relationships with AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and AbbVie. Nick’s leadership in Publicis Health set the foundation for many of the industry’s modern healthcare marketing structures.
After stepping down as CEO, Nick continued to serve as Publicis Health’s Chairman and later became COO of Publicis Groupe North America. He retired in 2023 but remains active through board positions and volunteer work while dedicating time to family and personal interests.
Sharon Callahan
Sharon began her career with an internship at Young & Rubicam, where she worked on major campaigns like Dr Pepper’s iconic “I’m a Pepper” jingle. After the agency lost key clients, she transitioned to Surgical Care Publications (SCP), a startup led by Peter Frishauf. Sharon thrived in the company’s creative culture, taking on various roles over 15 years. SCP launched Medscape, which was sold to WebMD. In 1999, Sharon moved to Medsite.com, where she developed innovative services before starting her own company, Summit Group, which was later acquired by Grey Healthcare Group.
In 2009, Sharon joined Omnicom’s Diversified Agency Services as EVP and later became CEO of Lyons Lavey Nichel Swift (LLNS), revitalizing the agency. By 2015, she spearheaded a merger to form TBWA\WorldHealth, leading the company as CEO and implementing a bold strategic vision. TBWA\WorldHealth achieved significant success with campaigns like Merck’s Keytruda. Sharon was named Med Ad News’ Industry Person of the Year in 2018. She later served as Chief Client Officer at Omnicom Health Group and CEO of CDM before shifting her focus to mentoring and coaching women.
In a post on her LinkedIn profile, Sharon wrote, “I am truly honored and humbled to be inducted into the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame, especially alongside Nick Colucci. Nick has been a remarkable colleague and a competitor who’s always kept me on my toes! Working with him on the boards of the Coalition and MAHF was a privilege, and I’m grateful for the friendship and guidance he’s offered throughout our journey together.
As I reflect on my career, I’m reminded that success in this industry is about more than just strategy—it’s about the incredible teams and individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with. Their passion, collaboration, and dedication have been the true foundation of everything we’ve achieved together. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible path.”
Join Us at the MAHF Awards This February in NYC
The CHC looks forward to celebrating the careers of these two stalwart champions of the healthcare marketing community at the MAHF Awards and invites colleagues along with former CHC board members to attend.