Hi, I’m Denise McNicholl Bankson, a writer and Creative Director based in New York. With 20+ years of experience, I specialize in healthcare advertising, combining my interest in health and science with my passion for innovation and creativity.

I’ve had the privilege to work on impactful projects that have earned multiple awards, fueling my commitment to meaningful storytelling and creative work that elevates brands.

Contact

917-515-1162
denisemcnicholl@gmail.com

 

Work Experience

Area 23/McCann Health
SVP, Creative Director (2022–present)

  • Oversaw creative teams across 3 brands: Tolebrutinib HCP/DTC pre-launch and launch for MS (sanofi), Fasenra DTC for severe asthma and EOE, and Aristada DTC/HCP for Schizophrenia

  • Supported McCann Health integration with Area 23

Area 23
VP, Creative Director (2019–2022)

  • Lead creative for award-winning campaigns such as The Smallest Booth (Lilly), The Rape Tax, and The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Oversaw brand launches and campaigns for Horizon Corporate, Toujeo DTC & HCP, Verzenio HCP, Tepezza, Xhance DTC, Jardiance HCP, and BI/Lilly Diabetes portfolio

  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, developed strategic concepts, and ensured creative excellence across print, digital, and experiential platforms

VP, Associate Creative Director (2016–2019)

VP, Group Copy Supervisor (2013–2016)

.Publicis Medicus/Life Brands – Copy Supervisor (2009–2013)

  • Lead writer for launches (Forxiga for diabetes, GIotrif for lung cancer, BI Oncology portfolio)

  • Focus in oncology, writing for 5 Taxotere indications

Senior Copywriter (2007–2009)

AgencyRx/CDM – Copywriter (2005–2007)

  • Developed campaigns for Exjade (iron overload)

  • Partnered with sickle cell advocacy groups on educational initiatives

CDM – Copy Editor (2004–2005)

New York Post – Assistant Photo Editor (2001–2003)

  • Coordinated with photographers, monitored news wires, wrote captions

AOL/Digital City – Writer (2001)

  • Wrote feature articles and reviews for AOL's local city guide

Paper Magazine – Intern (2001)

·       Created online event listings and write-ups

Village Voice – Intern (2000)

·       Assisted art critic and listings department

 

 

Awards

2025

  • Manny Award – Best Nonbranded Professional Campaign: Smoldering AI

2024

  • D&AD Pencil – Experiential Use of XR and Emerging Technologies: Eyedar

2023

  • ADC Awards – Interactive Gold Cube: Eyedar

  • The One Show – Best of Pharma; 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze: Eyedar

  • Grand Clio – Creative Use of Data (Pharmaceutical): Eyedar

  • Grand Clio – Design (Pharmaceutical): Eyedar

2022

  • Cannes Lions – Gold (Pharma): Eyedar

  • Cannes Lions – Silver: Eyedar

  • Cannes Lions – Bronze: Eyedar

2019

  • The Andy’s – Gold: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • The Andy’s – Gold: The Rape Tax

  • MM&M – Titanium: The Rape Tax

  • D&AD Impact – Integrated, Wood Pencil: The Rape Tax

  • D&AD – Direct Integrated, Shortlist: The Rape Tax

  • One Show – Merit: The Smallest Booth

2018

  • Cannes Lions Pharma – Silver: The Smallest Booth

  • Cannes Lions Direct – Silver: The Rape Tax

  • Cannes Lions Print & Publishing – Bronze: The Rape Tax

  • Cannes Lions Glass / The Lion for Change – Bronze: The Rape Tax

  • Cannes Lions Health & Wellness – Shortlist: The Rape Tax

  • D&AD Impact – Graphite Pencil: The Rape Tax

  • Clio Health – Grand Clio: The Smallest Booth

  • Clio Health – Silver: The Smallest Booth

  • Clio Health – Bronze: The Smallest Booth

  • LIA Health – 2 Gold: The Rape Tax

  • LIA Health – Silver: iTBra

  • LIA Health – Bronze: The Smallest Booth

  • One Show – Merit: iTBra

  • One Show Health & Wellness / Innovation – Gold: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • One Show Health & Wellness / Physical Product – Bronze: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • One Show Intellectual Property / Physical Product – Bronze: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Creative Floor / HCP Product Design – Gold: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • MM&M – Gold: The Smallest Booth

  • MM&M – Silver: The Smallest Booth

  • MM&M – Silver: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

2017

  • Cannes Lions Pharma – Gold Lion: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Cannes Lions Glass – Silver: iTBra

  • Cannes Lions Health & Wellness – Silver: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Cannes Lions Innovation – Bronze: iTBra

  • Cannes Lions Glass – Bronze: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Cannes Lions Outdoor – Bronze: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Cannes Lions Health / Grand Prix for Good – Shortlist: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Cannes Lions Innovation – Shortlist: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Cannes Lions Direct – Shortlist: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Clio Health / Innovation – Grand Clio: iTBra

  • Clio Health / Innovation – Gold: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Clio Health / Audio – Silver: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Clio Health / Direct – Silver: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • Clio Health / Design – Bronze: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • D&AD Impact – White Pencil: The Anti-Trafficking Exam

  • LIA / Innovation – Health & Wellness – Bronze: The Anti-Trafficking Exam