M.S. in Healthcare Management, Policy, and Marketing; MBA and Digital and Social Media Marketing Certificate

Dana Benton Newell is the President and CEO of Benton Newell Communication, a full-service creative agency that offers marketing communications, digital advertising, social media, and SEO strategy. A decisive leader with proven success in new market identification and strategic positioning for businesses of all sizes, she has established herself as a critical component in her clients’ continued expansion. Dana excels in demanding environments while remaining pragmatic and focused. Her keen business acumen, innovative strategies, financial know-how, and reliable operations skills have elevated her clients’ profitability and productivity.

During her storied 28-year career in providing vertical and horizontal growth consulting, Dana has directly overseen the operations of medical practices and multi-site home care facilities. She has also set up community-based medical centers, life sciences, biotech, and agricultural companies. Her experience includes working with a top-five marketing and public relations agency, Edelman PR, launching products such as Lipitor and Viagra. Additionally, Dana has collaborated with blue-chip companies such as IBM, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Ethicon Endo-Surgery. She has acted as CEO and COO, building operations infrastructure for several start-ups and positioning them for profitability.

Dana is a native New Yorker who lives in North Carolina with her husband, Mark, a trauma surgeon, and two daughters: Morgan, a communication officer for Rock Hill Schools in South Carolina, and Melani, a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and an incoming student of Physician Assistant Studies at East Carolina University. Dana’s passions include traveling, cooking, and family. She also enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and helping others see and achieve their dreams.