As the the Director of Federal and Political Affairs I oversee federal strategic advocacy activities related to advancing ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda. In this role, I facilitate and coordinate the identification, development, management, and leveraging of strategic relationships with key United States senators and representatives, congressional staff, and political appointees of executive branch agencies and oversee the activities of the ASHA Political Action Committee.

As career staff detailed to ONDCP, I developed policy including writing legal and policy memoranda related to the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, Public Health Service Act and Controlled Substances Act, regulations, sub-regulatory guidance and case law in the Office of the Director.

As part of the Administrator’s Executive Leadership Team, lead a division that collaborates with a range of internal and external partners. Help develop and implement the agency’s strategic plan and budget, facilitates policy processes, supports SAMHSA leadership, and manages special projects to further SAMHSA’s mission. Help drive policy innovation in the field of behavioral health. Develop appropriate responses to policy inquiries from HHS, other federal agencies, the White House and external stakeholders. Lead SAMHSA’s efforts related to regulatory affairs, including the development of regulations, sub-regulatory guidance and review of other agency regulations. I also serve as SAMHSA’s chief liaison with Congress by managing agency interactions, including drafting testimony and preparing the Administrator and other agency staff for hearings and briefings, providing technical assistance to Congress regarding legislation, supporting the agency's centers and offices on legislative issues and overseeing and guiding agency staff on congressional outreach. Finally, I serve as the lead staff person for SAMHSA on LGBT and aging policy issues.

Provided government relations counsel to a range of health care clients including public health and patient advocacy organizations, community-based providers, hospitals and social science organizations through developing legislation, responding to rulemakings, assisting with grassroots outreach, and implementing Hill day events.

As Acting COO, provided leadership, working in partnership with the Board of Directors, to formulate and pursue the vision and mission of SPAN USA as expressed through annual and strategic plans as well as overall direction of internal and external policy and program development and oversaw all SPAN USA operations. Served as the chief spokesperson for SPAN USA and as primary liaison with the suicide prevention, mental health, public health, health care and other public policy communities as well as news media. Served as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board. As Director of Public Policy and Program Development, advanced public policy priorities as well as assisted in conducting and overseeing the organization’s programs. Represented SPAN USA at numerous meetings with coalitions, government officials, and at media events. Coordinated public affairs functions with communications firm and consultants, responded to media inquiries when appropriate, and crafted messages for internal and external audiences.

Lobbied Congress and the Administration on behalf of licensed professional counselors regarding Medicare reimbursement, practice authority within the Department of Defense, positions at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and contracts with the Department of Transportation. Served as liaison to Governing Council committees. Helped conduct Association’s Legislative Institute and present at region and division conferences.

Wrote orders regarding summary judgment, construction of patent claims, class certification, and motions to suppress. Wrote jury instructions and bench memoranda. Attended trials, preliminary injunction hearings, and pretrial conferences.