Director of Public Policy
604 Harmony Lane
Pleasantville, CA 94588
Senior health policy executive with extensive experience in coalition building, policy development, strategic planning, program implementation and evaluation, and clinical practice in public, private, and not-for profit sectors and at international, federal, state, and local levels. Skillfully organized and led national health care coalition through development and enactment of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), mandating practices to streamline payment of healthcare claims electronically. Extensive knowledge of health care -- delivery, policy, strategic planning, and practices. Effective record as expert during congressional deliberations, in diplomacy and interpersonal relations, and with coalition building and lobbying.
· Developed and directed effective industry coalition providing public education and policy guidance on HIPAA provisions governing exchanges of health care information and privacy protection. Gained multi-industry consensus on common electronic information exchange standard and secured adoption of that standard in law.
· Nearly eleven years of federal service, including policy team leadership at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, including detail to Congress (implementing very successful, historic food safety hearings and development of legislation).
· Directed international relief operation team in West Africa during time of famine and extreme malnutrition. As clinician, provided diagnostic services in clinics. As Director, represented team and negotiated contracts at all levels of civilian and military government. Served as chief liaison with other international non-government organizations (NGOs). Established makeshift inpatient wards and feeding stations. Rehabilitated the pre-war existing health facilities, re-opened TB hospital and coordinated outpatient TB program. Studied health care in China and currently serve as Director of Public Policy for international organization dedicated to the prudent use of antibiotics.
Brandeis University, Health and Social Welfare
Florence Heller Graduate School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare, 1989
Johns Hopkins University, Public Health Planning and Administration
School of Hygiene and Public Health, 1973
Goshen College, Nursing, 1968
Director of Public Policy, National Programs, and Public Relations
1997 - Present
Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA), Boston, MA
Director for international organization, dedicated to education, research, and advocacy of the prudent use of antibiotics. Successful collaboration with government organizations, legislative and regulatory branches, and promotion and presentation of education for health professionals, and trade-shows. Provide consulting services to strengthen performance of companies assisting health care organizations with a variety of business procedures to comply with state and federal regulations.
· Manage press inquires and arrange press conferences, including management of PR contracts.
· Collaborate in strategic planning for organization.
· Direct international surveillance study, The Global Advisory on Antibiotic Resistance Data, comprised of major pharmaceutical companies with CDC and WHO as advisors.
· Detect and compare across companies resistant pathogens and antibiotics.
· Provide profitable fundraising and development activities.
· Assist clients in establishing electronic businesses in diverse fields, often allied to health care services.
· Consulted with information technology firm to target health care, insurance, and state legislatures to implement workflow applications and e-commerce across business enterprises.
· Developed a business plan for a start-up company considering establishment of healing centers.
Executive Director, Boston, MA
1995 - 1996
WORKGROUP FOR ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (WEDI)
Directed establishment and operations of non- profit association to conduct research and public education regarding key provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Developed strategic and operating plans, including long- and short-term goals, membership criteria, budget planning and execution, recruitment and development of human and information resources to support intensive operation. Managed 4 technical advisory groups, comprised of approximately 100 individuals representing different participants in health care. Represented association at significant national health care policy meetings and before print and electronic media.
· Developed 25-member board of directors broadly reflecting divergent concerns about electronic standards and privacy provisions governing transmission of financial data in health care. Secured consensus on national standard, adopted as Subpart F, Administrative Simplification, in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
· Conducted effective liaison with House and Senate Committees, providing frequent technical briefings on issues and ensuring presentation of coalition witnesses at key hearings and meetings.
· Sustained coalition through enactment of law, successfully doubling membership during leadership.
Division Vice President and Counsel to the President, Hartford, CT
1992 - 1995
THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY
Served as Travelers’ key strategist on administrative simplification and formulation and execution of Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) mission, and on public policy affecting health care information technology and health care reform for the five largest insurers. Determined company positions and negotiated with other insurers prior to work with many outside coalitions in the policy and legislative arenas. Proposed and drafted legislation at federal and state levels to maintain private sector flexibility and role. Developed and conducted briefings for president and board of directors to enable corporate leadership in national policy deliberations.
· Developed and published coalition blueprint for reform in health care information exchanges.
· Successfully presented completed concept report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within six months of project kickoff.
· Developed and published 400-page report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services providing foundation for policies governing electronic exchange of information in health care. Incorporated effective privacy protections while facilitating effective implementation of emergent technologies.
· Effective coalition leadership recognized as influential in transforming complex national health care initiative into practical incremental reform strategy.
Director of Health Issues, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, Hartford, CT
1989 - 1992
TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANIES
Supervised development of health care policy studies to assess complex range of community, state, and national legislative and regulatory provisions affecting the company and the health insurance industry. Worked closely and collaboratively with other members of the Health Insurance Association of American (HIAA) on managed care policies and information technology at the state and federal level. In tandem with them, testified and met with many state legislators to shape state policies and legislation on health care financing.
· Trained staff of 11 government affairs specialists in health issues. Increased ability of staff to negotiate and secure legislation more favorable to private sector interests.
· Testified as expert witness in major state legislative hearings, successfully limiting state activities to facilitate future development of national standards for information exchange and privacy protection
· Led study by Hartford’s Chamber of Commerce assessing the impact of building a high technology children’s hospital in Hartford. Redirected resources to programs that successfully reduced high infant mortality rates.
Deputy Director, OFFICE OF POLICY ANALYSIS, Rockville, MD
1985 - 1989
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM
Assisted management and coordinated legislative activities of the Institute. Analyzed and interpreted the implications of alcoholism and alcohol abuse related legislation, regulations and related policy proposals. Collaborated with the Director and key Institute staff in planning and coordinating the Institute’s legislative programs.
· Reviewed draft legislation, regulations, and program decisions of other agencies that affected the Institute’s programs and mission.
· Provided advice on legislative and policy changes to state and local officials, agency heads, and officers of professional organizations and advocacy groups.
Acting Director, OFFICE OF POLICY ANALYSIS, Rockville, MD
1983 - 1985
Provided leadership and direction to policy studies addressing alcohol abuse and alcoholism issues. Advised Director regarding significant policy issues. Spearheaded effort to determine most effective modalities of alcoholism treatment. Supervised analysis of legislative proposals affecting Institute programs and responsibilities and coordinated development of regulations. Developed, defended, and executed research and operating budget. Managed professional development and productivity of staff. Achieved equal employment opportunity objectives in recruitment, hiring, and development of staff members.
· Conducted studies and produced report providing recommendations and new direction for legislation funding national research and training and state and local initiatives for treatment and prevention of alcohol abuse.
· Persuaded the Health Care Financing Administration to change proposed Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG’s) to reflect state-of-the-art alcoholism treatment practices.
· Developed Requests For Proposals and supervised large umbrella contract.
· Gained approval of reauthorization statute clarifying mission and priorities in key areas.
Public Health Advisor, BUREAU OF HEALTH PLANNING, Rockville and Hyattsville, MD, HEALTH RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION
1976 - 1983
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Drafted and secured adoption of regulations for federal health planning program governing state and local reviews of federal funds. Drafted and managed RFP’s for contracts. Recognized as national resource and represented the Bureau of Health Planning at meetings throughout the states.
Director, EVALUATION UNIT, Baltimore, MD
BALTIMORE CITY MEDICAID PROGRAM
Directed staff, evaluation and implementation of programs for measuring utilization of hospital, physician, pharmacy, skilled and intermediary care facilities, dental, and other ancillary services in the Medicaid program.
International Relief Team Director, Nigeria, West Africa
1968 - 1971
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE, CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (Geneva, Switzerland)
Directed team responsible for the medical and feeding needs of the population in the capital city, Enugu, and a five-mile radius. After war, team was relocated to rehabilitate another devastated city, Onitsha, and the surrounding county, of which only 1/4 was accessible by land. Populations involved approximately 500,000 Biafrans. Analyzed needs (in a war zone and without guidance), developed a plan, including surveying needs, allocating scarce resources, hiring and managing over 200 African medical aides and relief workers, and administered payroll. Treated the sick and malnourished. Managed a weekly mass-feeding program of 75 tons per week. Established a pharmacy and ordered supplies. Wrote reports for country and international organizations; and represented in-country organization, Christian Council of Nigeria, at governmental and ICCR meetings. Along with other NGOs rehabilitated a major TB hospital nearby.
· Managed six U.S. team members, including finding and modifying housing in war-devastated area. Employed several hundred Africans. Sensitive to local politics and frequently had to work and negotiate through church leaders and local chiefs.
· After the war, developed plan to rehabilitate the country. Focus shifted to decisions around what pre-war health facilities should be re-built, what new ones need to be built and what ones should be repaired. Supervised staff of health centers, dispensaries and maternities. Opened and managed TB units, maternities, and geriatric wards.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
· Who’s Who Worldwide Registry of Global Business Leaders 1993/94
· Elected to New York State Committee on Health Care Data Automation and the Florida Governor’s Advisory Committee on Data
· Outstanding Contribution Bonuses - The Travelers Companies
· PEW Scholarship, Brandeis University, 1985 – 1989
· Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administrator’s Meritorious Achievement Award -1985
· Outstanding Performance Awards, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (Five consecutive years)
· Quality Increase Awards, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
· Health Resources Administration Cash Award
· Outstanding Young Woman of the Year in America – 1971