ERMC names new marketing director

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Dec. 20, 1999 10 PM

If Cindy Hancock were any more excited about coming to Pike County, she couldn’t stand it.

Not only has Hancock been named marketing/public relations director at Edge Regional Medical Center, she also has a future husband waiting in the wings here.

Everything just seemed to fall in place, so Hancock is certain Troy is where she is supposed to be.

As a youngster, she passed through Troy on the way to Panama City Beach many times. However, it was not until about a year ago that she had an opportunity to visit the town on the invitation of a friend. While in town, she entered the karaoke contest at Needmore Country Club and was a finalist in the 10 week competition. In the process, she caught the attention of her intended, Jonathan Felth who is a plant superintendent with the Hudson Companies.

The couple is planning a March wedding, so Hancock wanted to find a job in Troy or at least as close as Montgomery – "but preferably Troy."

Hancock is a native of Birmingham and was employed with NCP, a provider of billing statements for major financial institutions, for 11 years.

She started with the company stitching the bindings for payment books and worked her way up to marketing director. With her background, she was hopeful of getting a job that would be challenging and exciting. She had three job offers in Montgomery and was close to accepting one.

"But, I just didn’t want the commute," Hancock said. "One day I was looking through The Messenger and I saw the ad for a marketing/public relations director at Edge Regional Medical Center. I applied and, thankfully, I got the job."

Although Hancock has no experience in the health care field, she doesn’t see that as a problem.

"When Mr. Loving ( ERMC CEO David Loving) asked me if I thought I would be able to market the hospital, I told him if I could market coupon books, I could market a hospital," Hancock said, laughing. "I know I have a lot on my plate, but I’m excited about the challenges of the position and I see a bright future for Edge Regional Medical Center and I’m looking forward to being a part of it."

Hancock is also excited about being a part of the Troy and Pike County communities.

"Troy reminds me a lot of the area where I grew up," she said. "I get the same feeling here that I had there. I love the small town atmosphere and I already love Troy."

Hancock said she is anxious to get involved with church and community activities.

"I’ve got to feel needed," she said. "I’ve called the Chamber of Commerce and told them I want to be involved. I’ll probably work on the health and tourism committees."

Hancock is also a strong supporter of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and wants to get involved with the local program.

"Jonathan works nights, so I won’t have to be home every night and I want to do something meaningful with my time," she said. "I want to find a church home and I enjoy singing and playing the piano and I’ll sing and play if anyone asks."

Hancock traveled a lot with her job with NCP but doesn’t think she will get cabin fever in Troy.

"I’m ready to get settled into a job and a community and I couldn’t have found better places than Edge Regional Medical Center and Troy," she said.