Debbie is a highly respected health policy authority who helps clients advance their missions in Congress and beyond. With more than three decades of experience working both on the Hill and with the health insurance exchange marketplace, she helps clients execute payment strategy, see around the corner on policy and regulatory changes, and pursue effective advocacy. In addition, Debbie has deep experience working closely with payers, industry stakeholders and government officials at the federal, state and local levels.

Part of the founding team that established, operated and advanced DC Health Link, the District's online state-based health insurance exchange marketplace for individuals, families, small businesses and their employees. DC Health Link is widely recognized as a leader among state exchanges. It opened on time with both an individual and small business marketplace, has received awards for its online consumer shopping tools and its technology and works aggressively to reach residents who are uninsured. Today, more than 96% of District residents have health coverage and DC Health Link operates the largest small business exchange marketplace in the country.

Was integrally involved in the creation and movement of health legislation in the Committee on Ways & Means. Focused on improving and protecting Medicare, including efforts to: reform physician payment; reduce fraud, waste, and abuse; improve benefits (e.g. new preventive benefits, annual wellness visit, improving mental health coverage), eliminate the prescription drug donut hole, and reduce overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans to lower costs for all Medicare beneficiaries. Was a key staffer in the development, writing, and enactment of the Affordable Care Act and worked closely with the Administration and other Congressional Committees and leadership on the implementation of the law. Served as a resource for Democratic Members of Congress and their staffs on the Committee and throughout the Democratic Caucus.

Served in a shared position as Congressman Stark's Chief of Staff as well as a professional staff member on the Committee on Ways & Means where Rep. Stark served as both the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. As Chief of Staff, managed the DC and California staff, ensuring that the Congressman's priorities were being pursued and accomplished. Closely followed California-related policy and political issues, including working with state and local officials and advocates on shared federal-state health care initiatives and other local priorities.

Advised a lead member of the Ways & Means Health Subcommittee. Worked closely with Congressional and Committee staff of both parties, the Administration and advocacy organizations on health legislative issues including numerous Medicare reform components of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Developed health policy initiatives, many of which became law, including legislation to: add colorectal screening and other preventive benefits to Medicare, improve Medicare's hospice benefit, establish federal standards for access to emergency care and create national consumer protection standards for managed care. Wrote speeches, articles and op-eds on health issues. Represented the Congressman at events, meetings and public speaking engagements. Maintained a close relationship with Baltimore's medical community and coordinated the Congressman's Health Advisory Committee.

Congressional lobbyist for a nationwide non-profit consumer organization that advocated for comprehensive health reform. Lobbied Members of Congress and their staffs on behalf of universal health care, as well as other issues such as Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care. Organized and conducted coalition meetings of advocacy organizations. Developed a Congressional strategy to improve specific components of the Clinton health reform plan. Analyzed and prepared detailed descriptions of the myriad of health reform bills introduced in Congress during that time. Represented the organization in public speaking engagements, participated in radio forums and worked with other media.

Advised an active member of the Ways & Means Health Subcommittee. Wrote speeches and articles and prepared the Congressman for hearings, debates, and meetings with constituents and interest groups. Developed legislative initiatives and drafted legislation. Represented the Congressman at meetings in Washington and Wisconsin, including public speaking engagements on national health reform and legislative issues pending before the Committee on Ways & Means. Other legislative responsibilities included environment, energy and campaign finance reform issues.

Coordinated the Congressman's Washington schedule and maintained office accounts. Promoted to the legislative staff to coordinate constituent correspondence and monitor legislation on foreign affairs and housing legislative issues. Spearheaded the office targeted mail program by writing letters, developing lists of recipients and performing all in-house desktop publishing.

Began as an intern in the Congressman's Washington, DC, office for a semester and later hired as a staff assistant for the summer in the Washington office. Promoted to work in the Boston office (while finishing college) as a caseworker handling housing, education and seniors' issues. Organized and attended district events with the Congressman.