A Stanford University-educated journalist by training, I now manage the Public and Government Affairs function for Delta Dental, a $10 billion enterprise that administers dental benefits for 44 million Americans across the country.
My team and I manage lobbyists in 16 states, and are advocates for the company in Washington D.C. Together, we monitor, track and address both legislative and regulatory threats and opportunities affecting the healthcare industry generally, and the dental benefits industry specifically.
My career includes work as a broadcast and newspaper reporter, freelance writer and senior account manager at a public relations agency with clients in real estate, healthcare, local government and politics. Over the past 30 years, my focus has been healthcare, beginning with positions with Sequoia Hospital in San Mateo County, Blue Shield of California, and currently the nation's largest dental insurance system.
Legislative and regulatory issues today are my primary concern, reflecting my passion for politics and achieving positive outcomes for my employer. I serve on the board of directors for the National Association of Dental Plans, the California Association of Dental Plans, and on both those organizations' public policy committees. I am also on the board of directors for San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
My professional goals are to help shape and influence healthcare policy, legislation and regulation at the state and federal levels. I also work to strengthen the overall corporate reputation, reflecting my employer's commitment to "creating smiles, improving health and enhancing lives."
Specialties: Public affairs, legislative relations, media relations; employee communications; corporate spokesperson; reputation management; legislative and regulatory tracking.
