The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) is pleased to announce that Megan Fitzpatrick, has been selected as ADHA's director of Governmental Affairs. Fitzpatrick most recently served as one of two managers within the division. She began her tenure at ADHA in 2005.
Serving as director of Governmental Affairs, Fitzpatrick will build on her prior success at ADHA including her participation of ADHA's Lobby Day 2006, in which more than 150 dental hygienists from across the nation met with legislators on Capitol Hill to discuss a variety of legislation that impacts the profession of dental hygiene. Fitzpatrick has also been instrumental in the association's State Children's Health Insurance Program reauthorization efforts of this year as well as building valuable relationships for ADHA lobbying efforts.
"I am excited to continue my work for ADHA in my new capacity as Director of Governmental Affairs," said Fitzpatrick. "I look forward to building on the existing relationships I have with ADHA members and leaders, as well as forging new relationships as the association moves ahead with its efforts to advance the profession of dental hygiene."
Prior to joining ADHA, Fitzpatrick worked in the Government Relations division of SmithBucklin, the largest association management firm, and served a number of public policy clients. She also has prior trade association experience.
Fitzpatrick is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science along with her certificate of Integrated Liberal Studies.
"Megan brings a wealth of experience, from within, and outside of, her ADHA tenure," says Ann Battrell, RDH, MSDH, executive director of ADHA. "In her time here she has proven to be an invaluable member to the ADHA team, and we feel that serving as the Director of Governmental Affairs will allow her to maximize her potential. Megan exemplifies the ADHA brand in her efforts to support, empower, and develop all dental hygienists."
ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 120,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at www.adha.org.
