Madeline Grant, UW Medicine interim director of Government Relations, was just appointed as the permanent director of Government Relations, UW Medicine, and associate vice president for Medical Affairs, University of Washington, effective May 1, 2020. Grant has been working part-time in the interim role and has made many important contributions in her short time with us. She will continue to serve in the interim role until May 1.
As we shared in February, Grant brings a wealth of healthcare experience to this role. She worked at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for four years as a public affairs manager and then as a director of public affairs and payer contracting. She has also worked as a director of federal government relations at Group Health Cooperative and as a senior advisor in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Q&A with Madeline Grant
Q: What does your role as director of Government Relations entail?
A: The role requires developing and maintaining strong relationships with federal, state and local policymakers on behalf of UW Medicine. It also involves having a grasp on the clinical, research and business priorities of the organization. Together, these two functions allow the government relations director to advance UW Medicine’s mission in the policymaking process and ensure that relevant policy context can inform business decisions.
Q: What about your career might surprise people?
A: In graduate school, when people would ask me what I wanted to do once I received my public policy degree, the only answer I was certain about was that I didn’t want to work in healthcare.
Q: Why are you excited about your role as director of Government Relations?
A: I began this role in an interim capacity in January. When the COVID-19 crisis emerged, I realized there was no other place I wanted be.
Everyone I’ve worked with has risen to the challenge of this moment and has been working exceptionally hard. Despite the long hours, our colleagues have shown kindness, consideration and a sense of humor.
I’m proud of what UW Medicine has been able to accomplish so far on behalf of our patients, the state, the country and beyond. I feel lucky to contribute what I can to our mission.
Q: What should we know about you?
A: My husband and I moved to Seattle from Washington, D.C. eight years ago. We have two kids (ages 3 and 6) and a dog named Juno.
I’m happiest outdoors, I am oversubscribed to book clubs and I tend toward obsessiveness with puzzles of all kinds.
Editor’s Note: this article was edited to add the Q&A on April 7, 2020.
