Emory University Health Economist Joins APCO’s International Advisory Council
Health Care Policy Expert to Help Clients Prepare for Changes
Washington, D.C. (April 17, 2008) – Dr. Kenneth E. Thorpe, a leading health care policy expert and chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, joined APCO Worldwide’s International Advisory Council Robert Schooling, chair of APCO’s worldwide health care practice, announced today.
Thorpe, an economist, is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost scholars of health care policy and health reform, and is a frequent speaker at national conferences and in the media. During his career, he held a variety of positions in academia and the public sector, and served as an advisor to influential lawmakers, leading presidential candidates, and some of the largest business, labor, and nonprofit groups.
Thorpe brought his extensive knowledge of health care and politics to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease – a coalition representing more than 100 of the nation’s most influential health care stakeholders – where, as executive director, he leads an effort to increase awareness of the growing crisis of chronic illness in the United States and develop solutions to address it.
“Ken’s unparalleled understanding of the nuances of health policy, reform and finance is a terrific addition to our already strong health policy offering to clients,” said Schooling. “He is one of the most respected voices in the industry, and we are honored to have him join our team.”
Thorpe was deputy assistant secretary for health policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from 1993 to 1995. He has taught at some of the nation’s leading academic institutions including Harvard University, Columbia University, the University of North Carolina and Tulane University.
“I am passionately committed to my work in health care because good health policy has the potential to improve – and save – lives,” said Thorpe. “APCO’s world-class team is helping to make a real difference as the U.S. health care system adjusts to meet the changing needs of our society. I am looking forward to being a part of that.”
Thorpe joins other distinguished health care experts at APCO, including: Courtney Piron, former director in the economic and policy research group at Pfizer Inc.; Bill Pierce, former deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at HHS; Dr. Linda Distlerath, former vice president of global health policy and health policy, Asia Pacific at Merck & Co., Inc.; and Craig Fuller, former president and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
About APCO Worldwide
Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. APCO was named 2007 PR Agency of the Year by PR News; 2006 Agency of the Year by PRWeek; 2007, 2006 and 2005 European Consultancy of the Year by Public Affairs News; and 2004 Public Affairs Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report. Clients include corporations, governments, industry associations and nonprofit organizations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO includes among its clients seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. Core services include corporate, investor and internal communication; crisis management; issue management; government relations; litigation communication; media relations; coalition building; opinion research; market entry; corporate responsibility and online communication. APCO is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.
About the International Advisory Council
APCO’s International Advisory Council is a dynamic group of former senior members of government, the media, the diplomatic corps, academia, the business community and nonprofit organizations who work hand-in-hand with APCO’s professionals to counsel clients on a broad range of issues.
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Sarah S. Goins
+1.202.778.1260
sgoins@apcoworldwide.com