WASHINGTON: The Federation of American Hospitals is pleased to announce the addition of Charlene MacDonald as Executive Vice President, Public Affairs. She will join the Federation on August 1st.
“It is an honor to welcome someone with Char’s experience and strategic vision to the Federation team. She brings a unique perspective with significant health care policy, advocacy, and political bona fides. Char knows Washington; she has been instrumental in the development of impactful health care legislation and, in the private sector, has advised business leaders on health policy, political engagement and public affairs campaigns. Her proven track record as an effective leader will be a great value add for the Federation,” said Chip Kahn, FAH President and CEO.
During her more than 20-year career in public affairs, Charlene has held a wide range of leadership positions in both the House and Senate, as well as the private sector, most recently serving as Chief Government Affairs Officer for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.
“I look forward to working on behalf of Federation hospitals and the millions of patients they serve. I have long admired the Federation’s commitment to ensuring patients and communities have access to high-quality, affordable care and I am honored to join the FAH team. It’s a privilege to have this opportunity to build on the organization’s history of success,” said MacDonald.
Prior to joining CareFirst, Charlene was Head of Health Care and Life Sciences at FTI Consulting, where she led a multidisciplinary strategic communications team and advised clients on all aspects of stakeholder engagement, including public affairs and government relations.
Charlene also brings over a decade of experience working inside government. During an impactful career on Capitol Hill, Charlene served as top heath advisor to former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Senior Policy Advisor for Medicare & Social Security at the Senate Budget Committee, and Deputy Chief of Staff to Representative Allyson Schwartz (D-PA). Her accomplishments include the drafting, negotiation and enactment of numerous bipartisan health bills ranging from the 21st Century Cures Act to the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).
She holds a M.P.P. from the Harvard Kennedy School and undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Sociology from Lake Forest College.
