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