Laura Appel
East Lansing,MI
Summary
Health policy leader with extensive experience at Michigan Health & Hospital Association, specializing in government relations and public policy. Demonstrated success in advocating for health reform and managing complex legislative initiatives. Strong analytical skills and exceptional communication abilities foster innovative healthcare solutions.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Vice President
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Lansing, MI
03.2022 - Current
- Part of the MHA c-suite and responsible for leading 100 staff members working on behalf of Michigan hospitals.
- Directs advocacy, policy, finance and communications divisions, manages 20 association staff to enhance health policy and financial strategies.
- Oversees agenda development for the MHA Board of Trustees meetings.
- Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships inside and outside the organizstion to strengthen the influence of the association on behalf of hospitals.
- Serves as a spokesperson for MHA in the media, and presents to internal and external organizations on hospital, health and economic issues.
Senior Vice President
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Lansing, MI
2016 - 02.2022
- Led core staff operations during COVID-19, assisting hospitals with executive orders and managing patient care policies.
- Coordinated communications with Michigan's congressional members, physician leaders, and hospital legal counsel.
- Served as executive on loan to Governor Gretchen Whitmer during pandemic response.
- Directed association’s position on policy issues, including auto no-fault insurance law and health care transparency.
- Managed all federal government relations for the association effectively.
- Acted as staff secretary for MHA councils on behavioral health integration and children's health initiatives.
- Engaged regularly with Michigan's Office of State Budget and departments of health and insurance services.
Vice President/Senior Director
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Lansing, MI
2000 - 2016
- Directed all MHA advocacy on the Affordable Care Act and all aspects of health reform, in both the public and private sector.
- Prepared state and federal health policy recommendations and analysis on state and federal appropriations, health policy and insurance for MHA Board of Directors, elected officials and other interest groups.
Director and Policy Analyst
Michigan House Of Representatives
- Promoted to supervise staff of 15 analysts
- Served as principal Health Policy staff member for all insurance and health policy legislation, and Department of Community Health budget.
- Worked with other staff managers to coordinate operations, communications, media relations, and constituent relations.
Education
Master of Science - Health Care Transformation
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX08.2021
Certificate in Design and Innovation Management -
Kendall College of Art & Design
Grand Rapids, MIBachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Michigan, Residential College
Ann Arbor, MISkills
- Government relations
- Public policy
- Media relations
- Critical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Oral and written communication abilities
- Analysis and innovation
- Negotiating
Affiliations
- 2020 Crain's Detroit Business Notable Women in Health
- Board Member—The Root Cause Coalition www.rootcausecoalition.org
- Board member—Southwest Solutions www.swsol.org
- Board member—Michigan Fitness Foundation www.michiganfitness.org
Timeline
Executive Vice President
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
03.2022 - Current
Vice President/Senior Director
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
2000 - 2016
Director and Policy Analyst
Michigan House Of Representatives
Master of Science - Health Care Transformation
University of Texas At Austin
Certificate in Design and Innovation Management -
Kendall College of Art & Design
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Michigan, Residential College
Senior Vice President
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
2016 - 02.2022