NACDS taps congressional health policy staffer as industry liaison

ARLINGTON, Va. — Citing his experience as the lead on health policy for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Friday announced Colin Brainard as the new director of federal government affairs. Brainard will join NACDS on Sept. 21.

 

“As the lead health policy staffer working for a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Colin has tremendous experience on healthcare issues and in navigating the policy and political arenas,” Steve Anderson, NACDS president and CEO, said. “This experience will be particularly significant in Colin’s work in advancing NACDS’ efforts on pro-patient, pro-pharmacy issues on Capitol Hill. We are thrilled to welcome Colin to the NACDS team.”

 

Brainard will report to Tom O’Donnell, VP federal government affairs, within the Government Affairs and Public Policy department, which is led by Carol Kelly, NACDS’ SVP government affairs and public policy.

 

In his new role, Brainard will serve as a liaison with congressional offices on key issues impacting pharmacy, focusing on the House of Representatives, and will provide counsel for NACDS on effective advocacy strategies and tactics on those issues. He will also develop and maintain relationships with government affairs counterparts in other pharmacy and stakeholder health organizations and coalitions to help advance chain pharmacy priorities.

 

Prior to joining NACDS, Brainard served as a senior policy advisor for Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., who is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over key pharmacy issues. Brainard advised the Congresswoman on health and tax issues related to her service on the Committee. Previously, he worked for Sen. Richard Burr. R-N.C., and interned for Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. 

 

Brainard received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas.