Southfield, Michigan, September 5, 2007—Jennifer Kirkland, of Rochester Hills, has been promoted to director of market development for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Southeastern Michigan, overseeing sales, recruitment and training of representatives, developing and implementing department goals and maintaining contact with referral sources.

Kirkland joined VITAS in 2006 as a marketing representative when the Southeast Michigan program was launched. She established a VITAS presence in the Detroit area by building relationships with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities and assisted living communities.

“Jennifer has wonderful experience in business development in the hospice and home care arenas,” says Elaine Howard, VITAS general manager. “She has such energy, dedication and enthusiasm for her work and she really fosters an atmosphere of respect and collaboration.”

Kirkland has an extensive background in healthcare marketing in hospice and home health care in Michigan, where she has represented Beaumont Hospital, American Physicians Assurance Company, Health Care Partners and Odyssey Healthcare.

Kirkland holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a B.S. degree in gerontology from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan, and currently is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology/gerontology at Wayne State University in Detroit.