Laura Gilbert, regional marketing director of Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, Paradise Valley Hospital and Bayview Behavioral Health, was chosen as the 2012 Marketing Professional of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal. The award recognizes, promotes and honors excellence, professionalism and outstanding achievement in marketing.

Gilbert is responsible for creating and implementing marketing strategies at two acute care hospitals and one behavioral health facility. These facilities are part of the "Top 15 Health Systems" in the U.S. and the only health system in California to receive this recognition from Thomson Reuters. In addition, Paradise Valley Hospital received an "A" in patient safety from The Leapfrog Group.

"When I began working with Laura in May 2011, she impressed me with her work ethic, knowledge and attention to detail," said Neerav Jadeja, Paradise Valley Hospital administrator. "She implemented numerous ideas to help improve the marketing departments and image of three hospitals in the San Diego region. It continues to surprise me how she has time to implement all of her ideas, as well as maintain the daily PR that she does. She is wonderful to work with, and I am grateful to have her on my team."

The winners were selected by an independent panel of judges and Gilbert won in the privately-held, large-company category. The San Diego Business Journal honored the marketing professionals by hosting an exclusive reception and awards program to celebrate the winners, finalists and guests on July 26, 2012.