David Merritt is senior vice president of policy and advocacy for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a national federation of 34 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies. Today, nearly 115 million Americans are covered and served by Blue Cross Blue Shield.With nearly 20 years’ experience in high-profile health care leadership positions and a proven track record in politics, policy and press, he leads BCBSA’s state and federal advocacy, including lobbying, political affairs, legislative and regulatory development, as well as coalitions and industry partnerships. Before joining the Association, he served as executive vice president of public affairs and strategic initiatives at America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), where he led that association’s most important and impactful advocacy initiatives, from nationwide advertising and constituent mobilization campaigns to the first organizational rebrand in nearly 20 years.Previously, he led political strategy and messaging research for Frank Luntz, one of America’s best known and most respected public opinion and communication strategists. He also served former HHS Secretary and Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, leading Leavitt Partners’ Washington, D.C., office, and worked closely with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, including as CEO of the Center for Health Transformation. He also advised three presidential campaigns.Merritt received his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in political science and government from Loyola University Chicago. In addition to national TV and radio appearances, he has been widely quoted in national media and his writing has been widely published, including opinion columns in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He served as president of the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future and currently serves on the board of directors for the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.Specialties: Health care. Public affairs. Politics. Lobbying. Policy. Strategic communications. Media. Public speaking.