SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, April 29, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Lisa A. Wharton has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Wharton, born in Washington, has established a distinguished career marked by leadership, innovation and service across the fields of health care, higher education and marketing. Before retiring in 2024, she completed a notable tenure as vice president of marketing, public relations and foundation at St. Joseph's Hospital within the West Virginia University Health System from 2003 to 2024. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing strategy, public relations initiatives and philanthropic development for the hospital. Her leadership was particularly evident during the Sago mine accident, where she served as spokesperson and managed media relations amid intense local, national and international coverage. For her exemplary work during this crisis, she received a first-place diamond award from the Public Relations Society of America Inc., an honor she regards as both meaningful and bittersweet due to the tragic loss of 12 miners. Her contributions to the hospital spanned more than two decades, during which she also fostered relationships with stakeholders and advanced the institution's mission.

Prior to her role at St. Joseph's Hospital, Ms. Wharton served as the associate director of alumni affairs at the University of South Florida from 1993 to 2003. During this decade-long appointment, she directed alumni activities, organized fundraisers and coordinated community events that strengthened ties between the university and its graduates. She also played a pivotal role in leading the Women's Council of the local Chamber of Commerce, orchestrating annual women's symposiums that featured prominent speakers, such as Madame Jehan Sadat, Dr. Jocelyn Elders and Andrea Mitchell. These events drew more than 500 attendees each March for Women's History Month at the historic Vinoy Hotel in downtown Saint Petersburg, Florida. Additionally, Ms. Wharton contributed to America's Sail 2002, an event that brought tall ships from around the world into the harbor.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Wharton was the director of marketing at Pursley Enterprises in Florida after earning her bachelor's degree. In this position, she managed marketing and advertising campaigns for residential communities, golf courses and nurseries across several counties, demonstrating her expertise in strategic communications and brand development.

Throughout her career, Ms. Wharton has been actively involved in industry-related organizations as a member of the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development since 2006. She has held leadership roles, including past president of the Board of Directors for both the Public Relations Society of America Inc., West Virginia chapter, and the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce. She also served as Chairperson of the Women's Council of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur and assisted with public image and fundraising initiatives for the Club. Additionally, she is a past president of the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Ms. Wharton's academic achievements have provided a strong foundation for her professional success. She completed high school in Pennsylvania before attending Chatham University in Pittsburgh, going on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and visual communication from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She then earned a Master of Arts in mass communications from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg in 1993.

Beyond her education, Ms. Wharton attributes much of her success to influential mentors and the encouragement she received from her parents during her formative years as an only child. Her participation in Leadership St. Pete broadened her perspective by connecting her with individuals from diverse backgrounds—a value that continues to inspire her passion for community involvement and travel.

Ms. Wharton's dedication has been recognized through numerous awards, including Businesswoman of the Year by the West Virginia Women's Commission in 2007, Outstanding Graduate of the Year from the University of South Florida in 1993, Woman of the Year Award from BUChamber, and a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of South Florida. She is also involved civically with the World Wildlife Fund and other conservation organizations, reflecting her commitment to environmental stewardship.

In her personal life, Ms. Wharton enjoys photography—creating large photo books documenting her travels—and is passionate about animal welfare with aspirations to volunteer with local environmental and wildlife organizations. She looks forward to traveling extensively in the upcoming years, often inspired by literature, while using her skills to support nonprofit organizations and give back to communities in meaningful ways.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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