Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

Volunteer Involvement

Joel Ulland

Lakeville,MN

Summary

Professional leader with executive experience ready to drive impactful change. Proven ability to implement strategic initiatives and enhance operational performance. Valued for collaborative team leadership and adaptability to evolving business needs.

Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes, and fostering team collaboration. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President Government Relations

UCare

- 01.2025

Oversee a department of more than 30 people with responsibilities for public policy, regulatory guidance, community relations and regulated materials.
Serve as a member of the UCare Senior Leadership Team that is entrusted with the responsibility to develop and maintain the organization's mission, values, and code of ethics.
Provide counsel to UCare’s senior leaders on a variety of public policy, regulatory and business strategy decisions. This includes strategic planning efforts and crisis management for various internal and external issues.
Cultivate, build, and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. Translate and disseminate complex information and provide strategic input on sensitive issues.
Lead strategic advocacy efforts to identify and implement lobbying strategies to influence state and federal legislation. Work with industry associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to amplify our message and build a strong network of support.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level and provide timely insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders. This includes staying abreast of industry trends, emerging issues, and potential challenges that may impact the organization and industry.
Collaborate with subject matter experts, research and gather relevant information and data to support advocacy efforts that can be shared with external audiences. Prepare and deliver compelling testimony, letters, and statements at legislative hearings and other forums to effectively communicate positions on key issues.
Work jointly with UCare’s Legal and Compliance Departments to ensure federal and state laws and regulations are implemented correctly across multiple internal departments. Review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Provide senior leaders and staff background on new laws and regulations to provide proper context for business decisions
Collaborate with UCare Business Development to develop and implement an organizational playbook to support organizational growth goals. This includes strategic counsel on the development of key relationships with legislators, trade associations, and community stakeholders.
Oversee the teams who create UCare’s materials to ensure they are on brand, easy to understand and produced in a cost-effective manner.
Manage and supervise relationships with various contracted consultants/lobbyists.

Vice President and Public Affairs Officer

UCare

01.2022 - 01.2025

Oversee a department of more than 30 people with responsibilities for public policy, regulatory guidance, community relations and regulated materials.
Serve as a member of the UCare Senior Leadership Team that is entrusted with the responsibility to develop and maintain the organization's mission, values, and code of ethics.
Provide counsel to UCare’s senior leaders on a variety of public policy, regulatory and business strategy decisions. This includes strategic planning efforts and crisis management for various internal and external issues.
Cultivate, build, and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. Translate and disseminate complex information and provide strategic input on sensitive issues.
Lead strategic advocacy efforts to identify and implement lobbying strategies to influence state and federal legislation. Work with industry associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to amplify our message and build a strong network of support.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level and provide timely insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders. This includes staying abreast of industry trends, emerging issues, and potential challenges that may impact the organization and industry.
Collaborate with subject matter experts, research and gather relevant information and data to support advocacy efforts that can be shared with external audiences. Prepare and deliver compelling testimony, letters, and statements at legislative hearings and other forums to effectively communicate positions on key issues.
Work jointly with UCare’s Legal and Compliance Departments to ensure federal and state laws and regulations are implemented correctly across multiple internal departments. Review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Provide senior leaders and staff background on new laws and regulations to provide proper context for business decisions
Collaborate with UCare Business Development to develop and implement an organizational playbook to support organizational growth goals. This includes strategic counsel on the development of key relationships with legislators, trade associations, and community stakeholders.
Oversee the teams who create UCare’s materials to ensure they are on brand, easy to understand and produced in a cost-effective manner.
Manage and supervise relationships with various contracted consultants/lobbyists.

Associate Vice President and Public Affairs Officer

UCare

01.2017 - 01.2022

Oversee a department of more than 30 people with responsibilities for public policy, regulatory guidance, community relations and regulated materials.
Serve as a member of the UCare Senior Leadership Team that is entrusted with the responsibility to develop and maintain the organization's mission, values, and code of ethics.
Provide counsel to UCare’s senior leaders on a variety of public policy, regulatory and business strategy decisions. This includes strategic planning efforts and crisis management for various internal and external issues.
Cultivate, build, and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. Translate and disseminate complex information and provide strategic input on sensitive issues.
Lead strategic advocacy efforts to identify and implement lobbying strategies to influence state and federal legislation. Work with industry associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to amplify our message and build a strong network of support.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level and provide timely insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders. This includes staying abreast of industry trends, emerging issues, and potential challenges that may impact the organization and industry.
Collaborate with subject matter experts, research and gather relevant information and data to support advocacy efforts that can be shared with external audiences. Prepare and deliver compelling testimony, letters, and statements at legislative hearings and other forums to effectively communicate positions on key issues.
Work jointly with UCare’s Legal and Compliance Departments to ensure federal and state laws and regulations are implemented correctly across multiple internal departments. Review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Provide senior leaders and staff background on new laws and regulations to provide proper context for business decisions
Collaborate with UCare Business Development to develop and implement an organizational playbook to support organizational growth goals. This includes strategic counsel on the development of key relationships with legislators, trade associations, and community stakeholders.
Oversee the teams who create UCare’s materials to ensure they are on brand, easy to understand and produced in a cost-effective manner.
Manage and supervise relationships with various contracted consultants/lobbyists.

Director of Public Affairs

UCare

01.2015 - 01.2017

Oversee a department of more than 30 people with responsibilities for public policy, regulatory guidance, community relations and regulated materials.
Serve as a member of the UCare Senior Leadership Team that is entrusted with the responsibility to develop and maintain the organization's mission, values, and code of ethics.
Provide counsel to UCare’s senior leaders on a variety of public policy, regulatory and business strategy decisions. This includes strategic planning efforts and crisis management for various internal and external issues.
Cultivate, build, and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. Translate and disseminate complex information and provide strategic input on sensitive issues.
Lead strategic advocacy efforts to identify and implement lobbying strategies to influence state and federal legislation. Work with industry associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to amplify our message and build a strong network of support.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level and provide timely insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders. This includes staying abreast of industry trends, emerging issues, and potential challenges that may impact the organization and industry.
Collaborate with subject matter experts, research and gather relevant information and data to support advocacy efforts that can be shared with external audiences. Prepare and deliver compelling testimony, letters, and statements at legislative hearings and other forums to effectively communicate positions on key issues.
Work jointly with UCare’s Legal and Compliance Departments to ensure federal and state laws and regulations are implemented correctly across multiple internal departments. Review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Provide senior leaders and staff background on new laws and regulations to provide proper context for business decisions
Collaborate with UCare Business Development to develop and implement an organizational playbook to support organizational growth goals. This includes strategic counsel on the development of key relationships with legislators, trade associations, and community stakeholders.
Oversee the teams who create UCare’s materials to ensure they are on brand, easy to understand and produced in a cost-effective manner.
Manage and supervise relationships with various contracted consultants/lobbyists.

Assistant Director of Public Affairs

UCare

01.2011 - 01.2015

Oversee a department of more than 30 people with responsibilities for public policy, regulatory guidance, community relations and regulated materials.
Serve as a member of the UCare Senior Leadership Team that is entrusted with the responsibility to develop and maintain the organization's mission, values, and code of ethics.
Provide counsel to UCare’s senior leaders on a variety of public policy, regulatory and business strategy decisions. This includes strategic planning efforts and crisis management for various internal and external issues.
Cultivate, build, and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. Translate and disseminate complex information and provide strategic input on sensitive issues.
Lead strategic advocacy efforts to identify and implement lobbying strategies to influence state and federal legislation. Work with industry associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to amplify our message and build a strong network of support.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level and provide timely insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders. This includes staying abreast of industry trends, emerging issues, and potential challenges that may impact the organization and industry.
Collaborate with subject matter experts, research and gather relevant information and data to support advocacy efforts that can be shared with external audiences. Prepare and deliver compelling testimony, letters, and statements at legislative hearings and other forums to effectively communicate positions on key issues.
Work jointly with UCare’s Legal and Compliance Departments to ensure federal and state laws and regulations are implemented correctly across multiple internal departments. Review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Provide senior leaders and staff background on new laws and regulations to provide proper context for business decisions
Collaborate with UCare Business Development to develop and implement an organizational playbook to support organizational growth goals. This includes strategic counsel on the development of key relationships with legislators, trade associations, and community stakeholders.
Oversee the teams who create UCare’s materials to ensure they are on brand, easy to understand and produced in a cost-effective manner.
Manage and supervise relationships with various contracted consultants/lobbyists.

Manager of Health Policy

UCare

01.2008 - 01.2011

Oversee a department of more than 30 people with responsibilities for public policy, regulatory guidance, community relations and regulated materials.
Serve as a member of the UCare Senior Leadership Team that is entrusted with the responsibility to develop and maintain the organization's mission, values, and code of ethics.
Provide counsel to UCare’s senior leaders on a variety of public policy, regulatory and business strategy decisions. This includes strategic planning efforts and crisis management for various internal and external issues.
Cultivate, build, and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. Translate and disseminate complex information and provide strategic input on sensitive issues.
Lead strategic advocacy efforts to identify and implement lobbying strategies to influence state and federal legislation. Work with industry associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to amplify our message and build a strong network of support.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state level and provide timely insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders. This includes staying abreast of industry trends, emerging issues, and potential challenges that may impact the organization and industry.
Collaborate with subject matter experts, research and gather relevant information and data to support advocacy efforts that can be shared with external audiences. Prepare and deliver compelling testimony, letters, and statements at legislative hearings and other forums to effectively communicate positions on key issues.
Work jointly with UCare’s Legal and Compliance Departments to ensure federal and state laws and regulations are implemented correctly across multiple internal departments. Review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Provide senior leaders and staff background on new laws and regulations to provide proper context for business decisions
Collaborate with UCare Business Development to develop and implement an organizational playbook to support organizational growth goals. This includes strategic counsel on the development of key relationships with legislators, trade associations, and community stakeholders.
Oversee the teams who create UCare’s materials to ensure they are on brand, easy to understand and produced in a cost-effective manner.
Manage and supervise relationships with various contracted consultants/lobbyists.

Vice President of Public Affairs

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.2005 - 01.2008

Researched, drafted, and advocated for state legislation impacting people with multiple sclerosis.
Provided strategic counsel to the Chapter President and Board of Trustees that resulted in long-term services including the construction of housing projects and creation of adult day programs.
Represented the Minnesota Chapter at meetings with state government officials, local government, and news media to discuss and advocate for the Chapter’s key interests and priorities.
Organized, coached, and engaged clients in testimony at legislative committees.
Oversaw the Chapter’s grassroots advocacy program and activities.
Built relationships with members of Congress to educate and advocate on behalf of people with MS.
Served as a staff liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Government Relations Committee.

Public Policy Director

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.2003 - 01.2005

Researched, drafted, and advocated for state legislation impacting people with multiple sclerosis.
Provided strategic counsel to the Chapter President and Board of Trustees that resulted in long-term services including the construction of housing projects and creation of adult day programs.
Represented the Minnesota Chapter at meetings with state government officials, local government, and news media to discuss and advocate for the Chapter’s key interests and priorities.
Organized, coached, and engaged clients in testimony at legislative committees.
Oversaw the Chapter’s grassroots advocacy program and activities.
Built relationships with members of Congress to educate and advocate on behalf of people with MS.
Served as a staff liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Government Relations Committee.

Public Policy Manager

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.2001 - 01.2003

Researched, drafted, and advocated for state legislation impacting people with multiple sclerosis.
Provided strategic counsel to the Chapter President and Board of Trustees that resulted in long-term services including the construction of housing projects and creation of adult day programs.
Represented the Minnesota Chapter at meetings with state government officials, local government, and news media to discuss and advocate for the Chapter’s key interests and priorities.
Organized, coached, and engaged clients in testimony at legislative committees.
Oversaw the Chapter’s grassroots advocacy program and activities.
Built relationships with members of Congress to educate and advocate on behalf of people with MS.
Served as a staff liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Government Relations Committee.

Public Education Coordinator

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.1998 - 01.2001

Researched, drafted, and advocated for state legislation impacting people with multiple sclerosis.
Provided strategic counsel to the Chapter President and Board of Trustees that resulted in long-term services including the construction of housing projects and creation of adult day programs.
Represented the Minnesota Chapter at meetings with state government officials, local government, and news media to discuss and advocate for the Chapter’s key interests and priorities.
Organized, coached, and engaged clients in testimony at legislative committees.
Oversaw the Chapter’s grassroots advocacy program and activities.
Built relationships with members of Congress to educate and advocate on behalf of people with MS.
Served as a staff liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Government Relations Committee.

Public Education Associate

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.1996 - 01.1998

Researched, drafted, and advocated for state legislation impacting people with multiple sclerosis.
Provided strategic counsel to the Chapter President and Board of Trustees that resulted in long-term services including the construction of housing projects and creation of adult day programs.
Represented the Minnesota Chapter at meetings with state government officials, local government, and news media to discuss and advocate for the Chapter’s key interests and priorities.
Organized, coached, and engaged clients in testimony at legislative committees.
Oversaw the Chapter’s grassroots advocacy program and activities.
Built relationships with members of Congress to educate and advocate on behalf of people with MS.
Served as a staff liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Government Relations Committee.

Education

Certified Health Insurance Executive -

America’s Health Insurance Plans

06-2025

Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications, Public Relations Emphasis

St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Skills

Team leadership
Relationship building
Decision-making
Critical thinking

Complex Problem-solving
Strategic planning
Public speaking

Timeline

Vice President and Public Affairs Officer

UCare

01.2022 - 01.2025

Associate Vice President and Public Affairs Officer

UCare

01.2017 - 01.2022

Director of Public Affairs

UCare

01.2015 - 01.2017

Assistant Director of Public Affairs

UCare

01.2011 - 01.2015

Manager of Health Policy

UCare

01.2008 - 01.2011

Vice President of Public Affairs

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.2005 - 01.2008

Public Policy Director

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.2003 - 01.2005

Public Policy Manager

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.2001 - 01.2003

Public Education Coordinator

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.1998 - 01.2001

Public Education Associate

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

01.1996 - 01.1998

Vice President Government Relations

UCare

- 01.2025

Certified Health Insurance Executive -

America’s Health Insurance Plans

Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications, Public Relations Emphasis

St. Cloud State University

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

St. Cloud State University

Volunteer Involvement

Eastview Lightning Dance Team Booster Club, Apple Valley Minnesota, 2021-2025

Access Press (Disability Newspaper), St. Paul, Minnesota, Board member, 2020-2022. Board Chair, 2021-2022

Rosemount Traveling Softball Association, Rosemount, Minnesota, Head Coach 10U–14U teams, 2014-2019