Sarah Macchiarola Named IHA Vice President, Federal Government Relations

NAPERVILLE, Illinois, Oct. 17 -- The Illinois Hospital Association issued the following news release:

Sarah Macchiarola will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) as its Vice President, Federal Government Relations, effective Nov. 29. Macchiarola, who will be based in IHA's Washington, DC office, will focus on key federal healthcare policies and issues that affect Illinois hospitals and health systems, including Medicaid and Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, quality and patient safety, innovation, and regulatory burdens.

Since 2009, Macchiarola has been Senior Associate Director at the American Hospital Association (AHA), lobbying members of Congress and their staff on federal legislative and regulatory issues. She was AHA's Director of Grassroots Advocacy from 2004 to 2006. Macchiarola also held various posts as a Congressional staffer, including Communications Advisor to the Senate Republican Conference from 2002 to 2004, Press Secretary to former Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) (2000-2002), and District Aide to former Representative Cliff Stearns (R-Florida) (1999-2000). She also managed advocacy campaigns to promote patient-centered, consumer-based healthcare policies as Director of the Better Health Project/Health Care America from 2006 to 2008.

"Sarah has extensive experience and knowledge on important federal healthcare policies and issues, interacting with members of Congress, and coordinating advocacy campaigns," said IHA President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi. "I am very pleased to have Sarah join our team as IHA continues to work in Washington, DC for our members in a challenging environment."

"I am excited to be joining the great team of professionals at IHA," said Macchiarola. "Illinois hospitals and health systems provide essential care that improves the health and well-being of their patients and communities. I look forward to representing IHA in Washington, D.C. to help ensure that federal policies promote and support this vital mission."

Macchiarola has a Bachelor of Arts, Communication from Hanover College and a Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University.