Christine Hoober

Recommend, implement, and manage strategies of the State Government Relations Program, including the execution, and reporting of department goals, strategies, tactics and metrics for all 50 states. Responsible for oversight of AMTA’s state legislative and regulatory program. Provide leadership to chapter volunteers and standing committees to create a high quality and satisfactory government relations climate for the profession of massage therapy while delivering high value to the members. Influence proposed legislation and initiate specific legislation to benefit the massage industry. . Develop credible working relationships with public officials and staff and Regulatory agencies abiding by all laws and established guidelines. Collaborate with other companies, industries and non-governmental organizations to advance AMTA’s legislative goals. Draft model language as needed, manage state lobbyists.

• Collaborated with city councils and local law enforcement to update local ordinances that are outdated and/or overly burdensome.
• Provide leadership and guidance to state chapter volunteers and standing committees to create a high quality and satisfactory government relations climate for the profession of massage therapy.
• Build relationships with state and federal stakeholders to elevate the profession and continue its recognition as an alternative to pain management, including the NOPAIN Act passed in December 2022
• Track and analyze state and federal legislation and regulatory changes in all 50 states and D.C. using Fiscal Note software. Manage lobbyists and state chapter volunteers regarding both direct and grassroots/grasstops advocacy as needed.

Track legislation pertinent to the regulation of the massage therapy industry in all 50 state houses using Thomson Reuters tracking program. Notify member boards and agency states of potential legislation and advise as needed. Conduct extensive research on topics pertinent to the regulation of the massage therapy profession and public protection. Contribute to planning of Annual Meeting and Executive Director Summit. Travel to state boards as needed.

Law firm specializing in employment and school discrimination. Responsible for potential client triage, researching and interviewing witnesses, creating case timelines, and assisting in all aspects of courtroom preparations.

Main point of contact for clients, assist with deposition prep and discovery. Write factual narratives and provide citations for appellate briefs. Filing appropriate forms with the EEOC, MCHR, and KCRC, as well as FOIA requests.

Direct lobbying to Missouri state Senators and Representatives. Secured Bill sponsors for historically unpopular legislation regarding UM Student Curator, HB 2601 and SB 1081. Worked closely with upper level Senate leadership to advance our platforms. Lobbied tirelessly against severe budget cuts to higher education, and successfully saved performance funding for UM System. Also engaged in legislative bill tracking, research on future platforms (DACA), advocating for students within the UM System.