HDA Names New Federal Government Affairs, Communications Appointments
March 21, 2023The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) announces new appointments to its Government Affairs and Communications teams:
Kirsten Wing Named Director of Federal Government Affairs
Kirsten Wing joined the association in early March as Director of Federal Government Affairs. In this position, Ms. Wing will help advocate for HDA’s priority federal legislative issues, working closely with members, industry coalitions and other key stakeholders to ensure that the role and value of distribution is well understood by members of Congress and their staff. She will report to HDA Senior Vice President of Federal Government Affairs and Alliance Development, Kristen Freitas.
Ms. Wing comes to HDA from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, where she served as Federal Relations Director. Previously, she served as a Legislative Director and Health Policy Advisor for former Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.), during which she advised on policy issues ranging from drug pricing to substance use disorder, COVID-19, public health, and the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Among other positions, Ms. Wing served on the health team for the Senate Finance Committee as a professional staff member, and as a Health Policy Fellow for Sen. Chuck E. Grassley (R-Iowa). She holds master’s degrees in Public Health and Social Work from George Washington and Wayne State universities, respectively, and is a Michigan State University alumna.
“Kirsten brings a strong health policy, advocacy and legislative background to HDA,” said Kristen Freitas. “Her on-the-ground experience with several high-ranking members of Congress as well as in committees of jurisdiction will strengthen our association’s efforts to promote the savings and efficiencies HDA-member distributors provide to the U.S. healthcare ecosystem.”
Elizabeth Baker Joins as Director of Communications
Elizabeth Baker joined the HDA Communications and Marketing team on March 20 as Director of Communications. In this role, Ms. Baker will help build and extend HDA’s communications platform to showcase the industry’s value proposition as well as the association’s advocacy and policy agenda. She will report to HDA Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing, John Parker.
Prior to HDA, Ms. Baker worked as a Public Affairs Coordinator for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, where she created and disseminated daily communications to amplify the organization and its membership with key stakeholders. She previously served as a Federal Affairs Assistant, supporting the organization’s PAC activities, among other responsibilities. During her time at the Tiber Creek Group, Ms. Baker monitored congressional activities related to technology, healthcare, environmental, trade and financial policy. Further, she completed a press internship for U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). She is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
“Liz’s combination of media relations, public affairs and government relations background as well as experience in the wholesale distribution space will enhance HDA’s ability to communicate the value of our industry to manufacturers, pharmacies and providers, and ultimately patients,” said John Parker. “I am pleased to welcome her as a member of our team.”
About HDA
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) represents primary pharmaceutical distributors — the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and others nationwide. Since 1876, HDA has helped members navigate regulations and innovations to get the right medicines to the right patients at the right time, safely and efficiently. The HDA Research Foundation, HDA’s nonprofit charitable foundation, serves the healthcare industry by providing research and education focused on priority healthcare supply chain issues.