Deidra Wilson
Grand Blanc
Summary
Passionate, purpose-driven, and experienced legislative counsel and advocate with proven ability to work across partisan lines to produce favorable legislative results within the healthcare industry Proven leader who skillfully bridges the political spectrum: Working with all members in the Legislature to further pertinent healthcare issues. Achieve diverse legislative and grassroots initiatives, spearhead large coalitions and partner with community stakeholders
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Senior Vice President Government Relations and Public Policy
McLaren Health Care Corporation
Grand Blanc
07.2022 - Current
- Established internal Government Relations Division for $6 Billion integrated healthcare system
- Oversee State, Federal and multi-state advocacy efforts (Michigan, Ohio and Indiana) on behalf of the Health Care Corporation and Health Plan
- Established and manage Political Action Committee on behalf of the enterprise
- Manage state and federal grants on behalf of the health care corporation
- Coordinate and manage contract multi-client lobby firms (state and federal) as well as a successful internal corporate advocacy team
- Secured historic state appropriations on behalf of the enterprise, furthering community efforts in McLaren Communities largely in the area of behavioral health
- Awarded multiple federal community appropriation earmarks for McLaren subsidiary hospitals
- Youngest member of Corporate Executive Cabinet for McLaren Health Care Corporation
Corporate Vice President Government Relations
McLaren Health Care Corporation
Grand Blanc
09.2015 - 07.2022
Manager / Director Government Affairs
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Lansing
04.2004 - 08.2015
- Actively served as BCBSM’s representative on coalitions aimed at advancing public policy priorities
- Assisted with BCBSM and subsidiary activities in the state, where relevant, and advocate for enterprise priorities in State Legislature
- Helped the enterprise build capacity by working in concert with state and division policy staff to engage and communicate with political network
- Closely collaborated with relevant state agency personnel
- Defeated legislation that would negatively impact the mission of BCBSM
- Testified in the State legislature on enterprise priorities
- Managed contract lobbyists
- Developed state legislative agendas and supporting materials that include thorough documentation, ensuring consistency with BCBSM policy positions and messaging
- Had signed into law the largest legislative effort in BCBSM history by converting enterprise from a nonprofit healthcare corporation to a mutualized entity
Health Policy Advisor
Michigan Senate Majority Policy Office
Lansing
04.2003 - 04.2004
- Worked directly with the Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee and formulate bill analyses for all health care legislation coming before the Committee
- Developed health care policy agendas for the Senate Majority Leader
- Provided in depth analyses and issue briefs on timely health care issues
- Worked with all Senators in the Republican Caucus to draft and analyze health care legislation
- Met with various health care groups to help build the foundation for health care policy and legislation
- Research all areas of health care in order to help senators and staff formulate speeches, legislation and respond to constituent concerns
Legislative Associate
U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg
Washington D.C.
05.1999 - 08.2001
- Worked together with the Legislative Director on Appropriation issues relating to Labor, Health and Human Services, Veterans Health Affairs and Education
- Devised press statements and floor speeches on behalf of the Congressman. Worked on developing materials for congressional hearings, legislative/bill analyses, position statements and constituent correspondence
- Met with constituents and special interest groups daily
- Became proficient in working with the legislative research and analysis process
- Worked with Committee staff to coordinate a new initiative bringing federal hearings to the local level
Education
MASTERS OF PUBLIC HEALTH -
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ANN ARBOR, MI04.2003
BACHELORS OF ARTS - POLITICAL THEORY AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
JAMES MADISON COLLEGE
EAST LANSING, MI05.1999
Skills
- Policy writing
- Government affairs
- State advocacy
- Contract management
- Grants administration
- Public policy analysis
- Lobbying strategy
- Legislative coordination
- Strategic plans
Accomplishments
- McLaren Health Plan Board Member
- Secretary, Lansing Regional Chamber PAC Board Member
- McLaren Health Care Corporation Research and Advisory Committee Board Member
- Downtown Detroit Boxing Gym Youth Program, Board Secretary
- Child and Family Charities Board of Directors
- Detroit Business 30 in Their 30’s Awardee, 2018
- Crain’s Detroit 40 under 40 Awardee, 2019
- Diversity Magazine Top 100 under 50, 2020
- Crain’s Detroit 50 Names to Know in Lobbying Awardee, 2021
- UM Griffith Leadership Fellow, 2018-2019
- CHRT Health Policy Fellowship Advisory Board, 2012-2015
Timeline
Corporate Senior Vice President Government Relations and Public Policy
McLaren Health Care Corporation
07.2022 - Current
Corporate Vice President Government Relations
McLaren Health Care Corporation
09.2015 - 07.2022
Manager / Director Government Affairs
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
04.2004 - 08.2015
Health Policy Advisor
Michigan Senate Majority Policy Office
04.2003 - 04.2004
Legislative Associate
U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg
05.1999 - 08.2001
MASTERS OF PUBLIC HEALTH -
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
BACHELORS OF ARTS - POLITICAL THEORY AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
JAMES MADISON COLLEGE