The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), the national association representing primary healthcare distributors, is pleased to announce the following Government Affairs staff promotions: Elizabeth Gallenagh, Esq. has been named Vice President, Government Affairs; Kristen Freitas has been named Director, Federal Government Affairs; and Daniel Bellingham has been named Director, State Government Affairs.

"These promotions recognize the tremendous efforts of the HDMA Government Affairs staff this year, which helped to advance public policies that improve patient safety, supply chain security and innovation," said HDMA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Scott Melville. "We are anticipating a greater focus on healthcare issues in 2009, both in the Congress and in the states. With this new structure, we have in place a seasoned leadership team to advocate for our members before federal and state policymakers, and to emphasize the critical role of primary healthcare distributors in our nation's healthcare system."

During the coming year, the HDMA Government Affairs team will focus on priority policy issues that impact the association's membership, including uniform federal pedigree legislation, importation, regulation of controlled substances, Medicare and Medicaid reform/reimbursement, and other critical issues that will directly affect the safety, value and efficiency of the healthcare supply chain.

Reporting to Melville in her new role as Vice President, Gallenagh is responsible for both federal and state government affairs, leading the association's legislative advocacy efforts with a focus on pedigree, licensure and tax issues. Prior to her promotion, she was HDMA's Senior Director, State Government Affairs. Before joining HDMA, she worked for Eastwood & Azia, PLLC and for Duane, Morris & Heckscher, LLP, where she specialized in Medicare Part B reimbursement and coverage policy, provider appeals, competitive bidding, fraud and abuse investigations and federal anti-kickback law. Earlier, Gallenagh was the Director of Rehab and Reimbursement for the National Association for Medical Equipment Services (NAMES), and served as Legislative Assistant to Congressman Tom Manton (D-NY). She holds a JD from the George Mason University School of Law and a BA from The George Washington University.

In her new role as Director, Federal Government Affairs, Freitas reports to Gallenagh and provides federal legislative advocacy, including lobbying, HDMA PAC management and grassroots activities. Previously she served as HDMA's Associate Director, Federal Government Affairs. Prior to joining HDMA, Freitas worked as Manager, Government Affairs for PacifiCare Health Systems/American Medical Security, and before that, for the National Association for Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). Prior to NACDS, she served as a Director of Outreach for Congressman Dick Chrysler (R-MI). She holds a degree in International Relations from Michigan State University, and an MA in Public Administration from George Mason University.

In his new assignment as Director, State Government Affairs, Bellingham also reports to Gallenagh and directs HDMA's state legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts. He has worked at HDMA since 2002. Before joining HDMA, Bellingham was a Legislative Analyst at Stateside Associates, a state legislative and regulatory monitoring company, where he covered healthcare issues for both corporate and association clients. He also served as a Legislative Associate for a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. Bellingham holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Oregon.

About HDMA

The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) is the national association representing primary, full-service healthcare distributors. Each day, the member companies of HDMA are responsible for ensuring that more than eight million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to 145,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, clinics, government and other providers in all 50 states. This essential public health function is provided with tremendous efficiency, saving the nation's healthcare system nearly $34 billion each year. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system, working daily to provide value, remove costs and develop innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.

Healthcare Distribution Management Association