Media Alert : CRD Associates Announces Expansion of its Health & Education Policy Teams

Media Alert

CRD Associates Announces Expansion of its Health & Education Policy Teams

January 30, 2018 – Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis (CRD) Associates, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of three individuals well-versed in the intricacies of federal health and education policy.

Celia Hagan, MPH joins the firm as Vice President, where her primary focus will be on the National Independent Laboratory Association, global health, infectious diseases and regulatory affairs. Her expertise brings together science and policy to help shape national health outcomes. Celia excels at translating complex scientific concepts and developing strategic plans to meet client needs. She has experience working with several federal agencies including the FDA, CDC, CMS and HRSA.

Celia previously worked at the Association of Public Health Laboratories where she focused on regulatory and policy issues related to laboratory developed tests, public health emergencies, human subject research protections, device reclassification and laboratory reimbursement. During her tenure at APHL she provided strategic direction and strengthened the Association’s capacity to respond to regulatory issues affecting public health laboratories, including challenges surrounding emergency use authorization in public health emergencies. She also advocated on Capitol Hill for a strong public health laboratory network. Prior to APHL, Celia worked in the laboratory at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and at a clinical hematology laboratory in Seattle, WA. Celia holds a BA in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology from Whitman College and an MPH from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

Julie Keenan has joined our team as Senior Policy Associate, where her focus will be on the firm’s work with university systems and public health organizations, including the Coalition for Health Funding. Prior to joining the firm, Julie worked at Fireside21, a software company that provides customer relationship management, newsletter and website services to the House of Representatives. While at Fireside21, she helped congressional offices improve communications practices with their constituents. Prior to that, Julie worked in Florida International University’s Office of Federal Relations, where she analyzed federal policy and funding legislation to support the University’s priorities, including STEM research, university- school outreach and workforce training programs. No stranger to the firm, Julie was a 2013 Policy Fellow at CRD Associates, during which time she produced research and analyses on a variety of issues, including Pell grants, student loan regulations and public health policy. Julie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Florida International University, where she graduated with honors.

Michaela Hollis joins the firm as Policy Associate, where she will be working with a variety of organizations, including patient advocacy organizations, physician specialty groups and renewable energy and energy efficiency systems.

A Certified Nursing Assistant, Michaela’s experience includes work in hospital, home care and research settings. She has provided hands-on care for patients of all ages and diagnoses, while also educating and recruiting patients for clinical drug trials. She also has taken part in several medical mission trips providing health care services to individuals in rural and impoverished communities. Michaela was a 2017 Policy Fellow at CRD Associates, providing the firm with support on issues affecting clients in health care, education, and defense sectors. During her fellowship, Michaela also assisted in planning and organizing meetings and briefings on Capitol Hill.

Michaela graduated from Florida State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences and a concentration in pre-medical studies. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health, focusing on Health Policy.

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