Heather Watts, M.A., communications manager in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics, has received the 2025 Senior Communicator of the Year Award from the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Excellence in Communications Awards.
Presented on June 15, 2026, the Communicator of the Year Award recognizes one junior and one senior communicator who have demonstrated exceptional performance over the past year. The award honors individuals whose work reflects dedication, leadership and impact while advancing UAB’s mission.
Watts has served in communications roles at UAB since 2012 and has spent the last several years leading strategic communications efforts in Pediatrics. Throughout her career, she has strengthened communications infrastructure, expanded digital engagement and elevated storytelling across the institution.
Since joining Pediatrics full time in 2018, Watts has helped modernize the department’s communications efforts. She led the transition of the department’s newsletter platform from Mailchimp to Salesforce Marketing Cloud, improving distribution, analytics and audience engagement. She also supports the Pediatric Pandemic Network through newsletters, story development and promotion of national initiatives and events.
Watts has also played a key role in major departmental initiatives, including leadership transitions, executive communications and recruitment efforts, helping strengthen strategic messaging across the department.
Her work extends beyond Pediatrics through collaboration with Children’s of Alabama, helping ensure unified messaging and coordinated communications efforts between both institutions.
“I’m truly honored to receive the Communicator of the Year Award. It is a reminder of how much I have grown in my role in the Department of Pediatrics and how much the role of communications has expanded during my time here. I’m grateful to get to be a part of work that makes a difference in our community,” said Watts.
In addition to her strategic work, Watts is recognized for her leadership and mentorship. She has mentored interns and communications coordinators while providing guidance to colleagues across UAB.
Known for her integrity, collaboration and commitment to excellence, Watts continues to elevate communications at UAB through thoughtful leadership and mission-driven storytelling.
Congratulations Heather Watts!