Established policy department by merging Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) into the Foundation. Drove public policy to secure funding for Parkinson’s disease (PD) research and implemented strategies to ensure government programs adequately addressed needs of individuals with PD. Pursue public health policies to address issues for military veterans, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others impacted by the disease.* Achieved elimination of Medicare therapy caps, expansion of Medicare mental health providers, out-of-pocket caps, and other wins through targeted lobbying and advocacy efforts.* Ensured PD medications were covered along with radiopharmaceutical diagnostic DaTscan by successfully advocating with formularies and health plans.* Testified before FDA advisory committee during approval process for first anti-psychotic medication specifically for PD patients.* Secured additional FY 2023 funding for PD program at VA and led advocacy efforts to secure VA coverage for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange who developed PD and/or Parkinsonisms.* Expanded department to include state government relations resulting in enactment of several state PD registries including the expansion of the California registry creating the world’s first neurodegenerative disease registry; initiated and facilitated the PD Data Registry Summit.* Facilitated enactment of legislation that removed barriers to medicinal cannabis research.* Co-authored Congressional Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Caucus submission on importance of SDOH for the PD community.* Led initiatives focused on eliminating environmental triggers of PD.* Initiated 2019 study, The Economic Burden of Parkinson’s Disease, providing the most comprehensive cost analysis of PD ever.* Established Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council bringing together state, regional, and national PD organizations.* Created foundation’s first grassroots advocacy program, which grew more than 300% in 2 years.

Leveraged leadership skills to secure and maximize medical research funding for Parkinson's Disease from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Defense. Advocated for Medicare and other government health programs to address needs of individuals with Parkinson's. Drove policy initiatives to create solutions for challenges faced by caregivers, healthcare professionals, and those impacted by Parkinson's.* Orchestrated turnaround of organization, which was in precarious financial situation when hired; through leadership and collaboration with the development officer, rescued finances to achieve strongest results in almost a decade.* Negotiated and coordinated merger with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to create strongest possible Parkinson's community positioning for representation in all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C.

Spearheaded federal government relations effort on behalf of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Collaborated with activists, volunteers, and dedicated staff to drive ambitious legislative agenda. Developed comprehensive legislative initiatives encompassing increased access to affordable, accessible health care; incentivizing development of biosimilars; exploring ways to reduce the cost of MS medications; increasing resources to the FDA; allocating additional funding to the NIH and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP); and addressing the shortage of neurologists.* Drove initiative to create comprehensive National Neurological Disease Surveillance System.* Increased MS research funding at the Department of Defense.* Mobilized activists and volunteers, along with staff team, to ensure changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security would not negatively impact vulnerable populations.

Leveraged public policy, volunteer engagement, activism, and programs and services to successfully advance organization’s mission.* Developed and implemented multifaceted political engagement strategy that included federal, state, and local elected officials, regulatory agencies, and key policymakers, resulting in a positive impact for people with MS. * Managed approximately 50% of the organization’s structure, providing guidance and leadership to further the mission of the Society.

Provide consulting services focused on establishing proactive, positive communications; relationship building on behalf of public affairs clients; and strategic planning as organizations seek to evolve. Provide consulting services to non-profits, for-profits and political entities.

NAPSAC's mission is to focus on education, outreach and advocacy efforts to end the cycle of childhood sexual abuse and protect children from perpetrators.

Work with clients on their residential mortgage needs. Provide financial guidance to homeowners regarding their mortgage options, debt restructuring, and long-term planning. Generated over $60 million in residential mortgages at a variety of mortgage companies including The Mortgage Company, Mississippi Mortgage, and Advisor’s Mortgage LLC.

Planned and executed strategies to attain public affairs goals. Primary client was the city of Stillwater with my work focused on generating renewed support for a proposed Stillwater Bridge. Worked in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Washington DC to engage the general public and elected officials to formally request funding from the Federal government. I also provided a community relations outreach effort on behalf of a local housing development project in Bayport, MN.

Child-centered museum focused on use of fun for learning. Serves children at all economic levels and provides ‘scholarships’ to those unable to afford admission. Worked with the president and other executive staff in an interim capacity on development and external relations opportunities, including its 20th Anniversary celebration.

Democratic-endorsed candidate for the state senate in District 56. Raised approximately $45,000 and waged a comprehensive campaign against a well known opponent.

Lead Washington and Minnesota offices with up to 20 staff members; managed $1 million budget; directed legislative agenda; served simultaneously as press secretary and spokesman during a portion of the time. Chief legislative and political advisor. Spearheaded efforts to resolve the long-standing Stillwater Bridge controversy. Assisted in several successful re-election campaigns. Coordinated health care issues.

Coordinated Federal Government Relations activity; served as legislative counsel addressing data practices and health care reform; lobbied at the Minnesota legislature. Drafted 1993 Health Care Reform legislation that became the principal legislative proposal acted on by the Minnesota legislature.

Directed the district office for Congressman Sikorski, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; wrote extensive report on the bottled water industry in Minnesota; press liaison. Worked on health care, environment and small business issues.