National Alliance Staff and Advisors

Shawn was most recently senior vice president at Reservoir Communications Group where he led communications and public affairs strategy and execution on a range of relevant issues, including 340B and the drug supply chain, employer-sponsored insurance regulations, and Medicare payment. He has a strong history of healthcare advocacy and public affairs with employers, plans, hospitals, and consumer organizations. Shawn was previously director of health policy for the Purchaser Business Group on Health, a member of the National Alliance, where he ran efforts to improve quality and affordability for consumers and healthcare purchasers through federal policy. He has held senior leadership roles at Families USA, and America’s Essential Hospitals. Shawn began his career as a lobbyist for the Children’s Hospital Association. He achieved a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University in Washington and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.

Mary has a background in marketing, communications, and analytics. Prior to joining the National Alliance, she worked in higher education and healthcare marketing roles where she supported outreach initiatives, managed digital engagement strategies, and coordinated large-scale events.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Business Analytics from Towson University. She was born in Ibadan, Nigeria and has lived in Maryland since childhood.

As a former vice president of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health (PBGH), Christina held responsibilities for executing and ensuring implementation of PBGH’s overall strategic direction. She served as the architect for educational programming, projects and business development framework to improve understanding and aid in decision making with regard to equitable access, healthcare quality, cost containment, and employer choice in the PBGH market region and nationally. Christina serves on the PCORI HIIP Advisory Board, Heinz Endowment Economic Security Investment Advisory Council, and the Professional Women’s Network Advisory Board.

Christina is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Health Value Advisor, and holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in health administration.

Previously, she served as senior director of public policy at HR Policy Association and executive director of the American Health Policy Institute, leading advocacy efforts on improving employer-sponsored insurance through issues like mental health access, drug pricing, telehealth, and ERISA preemption. She also developed thought leadership and educational programs, including a comprehensive online course on employer-sponsored benefits for senior HR executives.

With experience in healthcare accreditation, regulatory compliance, and legislative analysis, Margaret has also worked with the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a policy manager.

Margaret holds a Master of Public Health from Emory University and a BA from Skidmore College.

Courtney brings more than six years of experience supporting senior executives across corporate and client-focused environments. Her background includes executive operations, event coordination, and administrative leadership, with a focus on improving efficiency and streamlining day-to-day processes. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Capella University and was recognized as a member of both the International Honor Society in Psychology and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Originally from Baton Rouge, Courtney spent 14 years living in New York City before returning home to Louisiana.

Jenny is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant whose career included duties in combat communications, journalism, personnel, and leadership development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational development and a master’s degree in adult learning with a focus on distance learning from Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN. She has earned her Senior Professional in HR certification, is a Kentucky Military Hall of Fame inductee, and a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Amanda has been published in several healthcare journals, notably the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy. Prior to her role at National Alliance, Amanda was a research associate at the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC). In this role, she was responsible for leading and supporting research projects related to the essential role of bio-pharmaceuticals in the healthcare delivery system. She also spent time working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, on the Epidemiology Workforce Branch and holds community-based intervention experience from her time working at the Florida Department of Health.

Amanda holds a master of science in public health from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and dual bachelor’s degrees in public health and international relations from the University of Miami.

Karlene has been published in several healthcare journals, notably Health Affairs for her work on an innovative value-based benefit design program in diabetes. Prior to joining the National Alliance, she was the director of education and demonstration projects for the Florida Health Care Coalition (FLHCC). FLHCC is the only business coalition in Florida representing nearly two million covered lives. Its clinical quality Initiative has been recognized locally, statewide and nationally by ABC World News Tonight, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Karlene holds a BS in Cardiopulmonary Sciences from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

Taylor is an experienced project and operations professional with over six years of supporting teams across nonprofit, international development, and education sectors. Prior to her role at the National Alliance, she worked in the international development sector, providing operations support to global programs focused on economic growth, global health, and monitoring and evaluation. She has extensive experience coordinating across teams, working with partners and consultants, and streamlining processes to help projects run smoothly and effectively. Taylor holds a master’s degree in international relations from American University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gonzaga University.

Her earlier experience includes roles at WomenHeart and volunteer work at TECHO Peru, where she led communication and community development efforts.

Rita holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and has lived in Northern Virginia since childhood. She was born in Lima, Peru.

Cary has consulted since 1999 and previously served in a variety of communication roles for Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector (now Freescale Semiconductor). Before joining Motorola, Cary managed public relations for an advertising and marketing agency and also held positions with a Dallas public relations firm.

Cary speaks on a variety of communications, media training, and public relations topics. She holds a BS in journalism/public relations from the University of Kansas.