The advocacy and government relations team Pugh will lead monitors legislation affecting MemorialCare, promotes understanding of legislation and communicates public policy implications. The team also acts as a catalyst for constructive dialogue among lawmakers and MemorialCare hospitals, physicians, outpatient and community-based programs to ensure adequate funding and sensible healthcare legislation.
“Kristen’s tremendous expertise and accomplishments on all levels of government and with key constituents throughout Southern California will help ensure communities we serve can access high quality, affordable healthcare,” says MemorialCare General Counsel Terri Cammarano.
Additionally, Pugh will further elevate the profile of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach and identify opportunity to support the unique services it offers, according to the healthcare system.
“As one of the nation’s 10 largest children’s hospitals and a pioneer in pediatric, perinatal and neonatal medicine, Kristen will focus on advancing our mission, legislation and funding support,” said John Bishop, CEO of Long Beach Memorial, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach and Community Hospital Long Beach.
Recently Pugh was executive director for Federal Research Relations at University of California, Irvine, where she built a broad network of legislators, agency officials and industry stakeholders to advance research funding. She previously spent a decade as associate vice president of Government and Community Relations with City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Center working on cancer care policy and legislation.
She served as chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges Government Relations Representatives Steering Committee and associate director of Federal Government Affairs for American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from University of Maryland.
“I’m honored to join MemorialCare, which for decades has been in the forefront of transforming healthcare and promoting legislative and government programs that benefit the health of children and adults,” Pugh said.
Source: MemorialCare
