Health Care and Pharmaceuticals
With the "graying" of America and the development of more and more innovative means to treat and prevent illnesses, the demands for healthcare, particularly the significant portion covered by various government programs, are increasing drastically. With these intense public demands come intense political pressures forcing constant scrutiny and proposed reforms from our political institutions and officials. The Livingston Group will ensure that your viewpoints are heard consistently and dealt with rationally in the intertwined world of government programs. TLG is strongly positioned with the relevant congressional committees, as well as the key regulatory agencies. We can work with the latest political proposals to ensure that the US retains a reasonable market-based approach to delivery of medical services, research and development.
Director: Geoff Gleason -- Geoff Gleason has twenty-five years of Capitol Hill experience. Most recently, Geoff served as Appropriations Associate to Congressman Frank Wolf (VA), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and State. Geoff spent ten as Chief of Staff for Congressman Jerry Solomon (NY), Former Chairman of the House Rules Committee. He also served as Chief of Staff to Congressman John Sweeney (NY), and on President Reagan's Transition Team.
TLG Team //
Jeff Ballabon -- Former Counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee, where he played a leading role in tort reform initiatives. Previously served as head of public policy for Primedia Inc, including Primedia’s Healthcare Group, the nation's leading provider of training and continuing education for healthcare institutions.
Steve Bende – Former VP Scientific Affairs at the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, Dr. Bende has served as an AIDS researcher at NIH with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Executive Secretary of the NIH AIDS Vaccine Research Committee then chaired by Nobel Laureate David Baltimore, President and CEO of Bacilligen, an early-stage biotechnology company, and President of consulting firm Science & Policy Strategies.
Honorable Bob Clement -- Former eight-term Congressman from Tennessee’s fifth District. He served as a ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Clement worked on the Railroad, Highways and Mass Transit; Aviation Subcommittees; and Water Resources Subcommittees. He also served on the House Budget Committee giving him significant insight into funding procedures in Congress. He made global contacts through his work on the International Affairs Committee. In his travels associated with the Tourism Caucus, he promoted trade and tourism for the U.S.
Honorable E. Thomas Coleman -- Former eight-term Member of Congress. Former Vice President, Government Relations for BASF Corporation, a leading manufacturer of vitamins and ibuprofen.
Honorable Dennis M. Hertel -- Mr. Hertel is a former Democrat Member of Congress from Michigan. He served on the House Select Committee on Aging and was a member on the Health Subcommittee. Since retiring from Congress in 1993, he has been engaged in government relations and private law practice representing clients in numerous legislative matters including health care and hospital-related issues.
Honorable Anthony J. Moffett -- Former subcommittee chairman on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Named "Best Member of Congress" by Consumer Federation of America. Served as Vice President of The Monsanto Company, responsible for international external affairs.
Honorable William H. Zeliff, Jr.-- Former House Deputy Whip. Subcommittee Chairman on National Security, International Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Member of the Transportation, Government Reform and Small Business Committees.
Steve Bende, Ph. D.. – Former VP Scientific Affairs of a pharmaceutical trade association. Crafted and delivered science policy positions and represented industry to FDA, Public, Press and Congress. Former NIH scientist. Worked on HIV/AIDS with Dr. Anthony Fauci. Leading expert in follow-on/generic biologics science and policy
Laurinda Calongne -- Graduate of Tulane University where she received the MSW degree after completing an internship at New Orleans' Charity Hospital. Calongne also earned a Masters of Education and Fellowship in Medical Education from the University of Southern California.
Martin Cancienne -- Served as Chief of Staff and District Director for former Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-LA). Mr.Cancienne will focus primarily on appropriations, agriculture, health and education matters, energy and environmental issues, and Corps of Engineers projects.
Harvey F. Ernest, Jr. -- President of RIVERGROUP, recently completed a 27-year career with 3M, a $16 billion global company. He was head of 3M Federal Systems, the central strategy and business development organization for national government markets He held management positions in 3M Health Care Markets throughout his career where he dealt with medical devices, health information systems and hospital procurement.
M. L. "Tripp" Funderburk -- Served as a senior aide to former Congressman Livingston on both personal and committee staff. As Senior Vice President for The Washington Group, Mr. Funderburk represented numerous clients before Congress and the Administration on a broad range of areas including health care and various appropriations issues.
Steven L. Kreseski -- As Chief of Staff to current Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. he helped negotiate the Administration's medical malpractice tort reform package. In his capacity as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Representative Ehrlich, Mr. Kreseski worked closely with the Health Subcommittee to win adoption of important nurse training and medical reform legislation. As the Legislative Director for the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Mr. Kreseski represented the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in numerous states and before the FDA and HHS on patient safety and regulatory issues.
Darren Morris -- Led coalition building and public relations efforts on various health care initiatives such as association health plans, workers compensation reform, Medicare reform, medical malpractice, and other general health care legislative initiatives. Produced media campaign for medical malpractice efforts in several states. Developed and led grassroots marketing strategies for pharmaceutical companies. Worked with pharmaceutical companies on FDA approval and coverage for their products under Medicare, Medicaid and workers compensation. Informal advisor to numerous federal and state elected officials on health care issues.
Russell J. Mueller -- A principal adviser to Representatives Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert during a 25+ year tenure as senior legislative staff to the members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Also, served as senior staff for then-Majority Leader Dick Armey’s House Leadership Task Force on Health.
Bernie Robinson -- Served in Illinois Governor Ryan's cabinet with responsibility for Washington operations. A graduate of the Chase School of Law, Robinson also served as a corporate affairs executive for Phillip Morris with both U.S. and international assignments.
Marjorie Strayer -- Former Chief of Staff to New Mexico Congresswoman Heather Wilson who serves on the Armed Services and Energy and Commerce Committee. Also worked in the Washington State House of Representatives and was chief of staff to a former Washington state Congressman.
William R. Teator -- A policy adviser and spokesman to late House Rules Committee Chairman Jerry Solomon, Teator has successfully handled Medicare, veterans and military health policy issues. He helped reverse cutbacks in Medicare payments to health providers and forestall drastic changes to the national organ transplant system.
Chris Bennett Terrell -- Senior staff for a member of the Washington State House of Representatives focusing on health care-related issues. Has served TLG’s health care and pharmaceutical clients since June 2000, including research/writing and engaging Members on behalf of clients.
Representative Clients:
- National Federation of the Blind
- Rush University Medical Center
- West Jefferson Medical Center; Jefferson Parish, LA