Andrew M. Muhl
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Dynamic advocate with a proven track record at AARP Louisiana, excelling in analytical problem solving and inspiring team performance. Spearheaded legislative campaigns, notably reducing the HCBS waiver registry by over 90%. Expert in building strategic relationships and mentoring teams, showcasing strong written communication and community engagement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate State Director of Advocacy
AARP Louisiana
Baton Rouge, LA
10.2013 - 11.2022
- Led multiple legislative advocacy campaigns, which include expanding long-term service options for seniors, digital equity in rural or low-income communities, utility affordability, and improving access to quality health care.
- This includes integrated media, grassroots advocacy, education and outreach leading to the following accomplishments: Annual increases of HCBS waiver slot funding that has led to a reduction of the registry from 17,000 individuals to approximately 1,000 (January 2025), LA Nursing Home Virtual Visitation (2017), Louisiana CARE Act (2016), Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (2016), HCBS Provider Rate Restoration (2021), a state pension increases (2017, 2022), nursing home emergency plan reform (2022) and Medicaid Expansion (2015)
- Continue to establish strategic working relationships with diverse companies and organizations, state policymakers, and elected officials to advance AARP policy initiatives.
- Have educated and advised AARP staff and volunteer leadership, colleagues and associates about public policy and legislation impacting the 50+ population in Louisiana
- Have served as a point of contact for state elected officials and their staff and also liaison as needed with local and federal officials
- Have continually recruited, trained, and managed between 40-50 professional level volunteers in Louisiana to implement three distinct state legislative campaigns including predatory lending, a caregiver task force resolution, and protecting home and community based services
- Facilitate multiple region-wide volunteer trainings and manage Caregiver Day at the Capitol annually, which involves the training and coordination of 50-70 legislative visits between elected officials, staff and volunteers
- Have led and chaired Louisiana's long term care coalition since its inception in 2016, which involves leading all efforts regarding stakeholder recruitment, communications, state advocacy campaigns, and legislative strategic planning including annual direct action organizing
Government Relations Director
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
Baton Rouge, LA
10.2007 - 10.2013
- Advocated the priorities of the organization to federal, state and local elected officials while recruiting, training and managing professional level volunteers in Louisiana to implement the following state legislative campaigns:
- 2008 Created and funded a new colon cancer screening program for the uninsured
- 2009-2010 Continued funding for cancer screenings and building statewide support for tobacco-control policies, including a tobacco tax and smoke-free air legislation
- 2011 Maintained current cigarette tax level by renewing existing portion of state tax
- 2012 Restored previously cut state funding for the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program
- 2013 Restored state funding for the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program
Policy Advisor
Office of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
Baton Rouge, LA
04.2006 - 10.2007
- Developed policy proposals, speeches and correspondence for the Governor and served as a liaison between the Governor's office and various state departments
- Directed and supervised student worker and intern team on correspondence and communications between Governor and constituents
- Researched and advised the Governor and senior staff on issues related to public safety, corrections, homeland security and emergency preparedness, specifically staff support to the Governor's Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
Program Director
Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO)
Baton Rouge, LA
03.2005 - 04.2006
- Responsibilities included membership recruitment, research and administrative support; public relations and grassroots outreach
- Provided management and facilitation of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families and the Louisiana Housing Alliance
- Engaged and educated advocates, community leaders, lobbyists and government officials on behalf of various LANO programs
- Provided services and outreach to the LANO membership while maintaining a presence at the Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Political Science
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas12-2000
Skills
- Engaged Collaborative Learner
- Strong Written Communication
- Dispute Management
- Community Engagement Through Team Building
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Inspiring Team Performance
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- Evidence-Based Decision Making
- Mentorship Development
- Trustworthiness in Interactions
Accomplishments
- Greater Baton Rouge City Tennis Association, Board member
- Louisiana Budget Project, Board Chairman 2017-2021
- AC Lewis YMCA, Volunteer of the Year, 2013
- LEADER (LA Enhancing Aging w/ Dignity through Empowerment and Respect), Board of Directors
- Louisiana Health Care Commission, member
- Capital Area Animal Welfare Society, volunteer
- Toastmasters Club of Austin, member 2001-2005
- Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL)
Timeline
Associate State Director of Advocacy
AARP Louisiana
10.2013 - 11.2022
Government Relations Director
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
10.2007 - 10.2013
Policy Advisor
Office of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
04.2006 - 10.2007
Program Director
Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO)
03.2005 - 04.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Political Science
University of North Texas