JOHN P. POULOS
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Dedicated disability advocate with demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic advocacy initiatives. Thrive in fast-paced environments, leveraging skills in research, analysis, and problem-solving to drive positive outcomes. Skilled at fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and providing informed advice on complex policy matters to grassroots and policymakers alike. Noteworthy impact includes spearheading legislative campaigns on Medicaid, long-term care policy, and disability program appropriations. Experienced coalition leader across multiple tables focused on long-term services and supports and developmental disabilities.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Policy Advisor
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Washington, D.C.
02.2026 - Current
- Gathered information on prospective legislative and administrative actions through coalition meetings and professional contacts to inform advocacy efforts.
- Builds and maintains subject-matter expertise in several policy portfolios including health care, autism research, education, voting rights, and Congressional appropriations.
- Advocates on behalf of the interests of the autistic community and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network with legislators and administrative officials.
- Prepared and delivered Congressional testimony and public statements, effectively communicating the interests of the autistic community to legislators and the press.
- Leads advocacy campaigns and strategy development for long-term services and supports policy as co-chair of the Disability & Aging Collaborative.
Policy Analyst
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Washington, D.C.
02.2024 - 02.2026
Research Assistant
Johns Hopkins University, Randstad USA
Baltimore, MD
12.2023 - 02.2024
- Evaluated sources, generated bibliography and footnotes, and formatted chapters for book examining media environment's impact on public health.
Graduate Student Policy and Research Analyst
Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore, MD
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Research for North Carolina Legislation on Sports Wagering and Problem Gambling (HB 347)
- Researched problem gambling and related disorders, drafting a comprehensive response letter to inquiries from N.C. State Representatives.
- Secured media coverage from local news outlets in North Carolina, including FOX8 WGHP.
- Policy Recommendations to State Legislators on Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Maryland
- Evaluated community-based behavioral health services in Maryland, analyzing efficacy reports on AOT programs across 47 states and D.C.
- Conducted stakeholder interviews with advocacy organizations, grassroots advocates, patient rights groups, and social workers.
- Crafted evidence-based policy recommendations opposing establishment of an AOT program, proposing a task force to assess capacity and accessibility of mental health services in Maryland, resulting in a report outlining potential improvements and cost estimates.
Education
Master of Science - Public Health: Health Policy
Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore, MD05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Public Health Studies
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05.2021
Skills
- Policy Analysis
- Government Affairs & Advocacy
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Coalition Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Research & Evaluation
- Data Collection & Analysis
Websites
Accomplishments
Elected Member, 2026 - National Academy of Social Insurance
Timeline
Senior Policy Advisor
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
02.2026 - Current
Policy Analyst
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
02.2024 - 02.2026
Research Assistant
Johns Hopkins University, Randstad USA
12.2023 - 02.2024
Graduate Student Policy and Research Analyst
Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
10.2022 - 03.2023
Master of Science - Public Health: Health Policy
Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
Bachelor of Science - Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Public Health Studies
Johns Hopkins University