Avalere Health Welcomes Matt Kazan and Laura Housman to Leadership Team
Avalere Health, a prominent player in the healthcare sector, has recently made significant changes to its leadership team, which signals a new chapter for the company. The return of Matt Kazan as Senior Vice President, Policy, coupled with Laura Housman's elevation to Chief Public Health Officer, is poised to enhance Avalere's strategic capabilities in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Matt Kazan's Return
Matt Kazan is no stranger to Avalere Health. After serving as a Managing Director in the past, his extensive experience includes over a decade as a key advisor on the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. Here, he contributed to landmark legislation such as the Affordable Care Act and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, making him a well-respected figure in healthcare policy.
In his new role, Kazan will lead Avalere’s healthcare policy team, a core segment of their advisory capabilities. His primary focus will be to navigate the complex policy environment, ensuring that clients in life sciences, health plans, and healthcare providers are equipped with cutting-edge strategies and analysis to transform uncertainties into opportunities for improved patient outcomes. Sarah Alwardt, President of Advisory at Avalere, underscored Kazan's unique ability to anticipate future policy developments, highlighting his deep understanding of the intricate healthcare landscape.
Kazan emphasized the importance of collaboration within Avalere, stating his enthusiasm about working closely with the Medical and Marketing teams. The complexity of today’s healthcare policy landscape necessitates a unified approach, which Kazan aims to deliver through Avalere's three vital capabilities — Advisory, Medical, and Marketing. He recognizes that political changes greatly impact healthcare stakeholders and plans to leverage this to ensure that life-changing products reach every patient.
Laura Housman Steps Up
Joining Kazan in leadership is Laura Housman, who has been appointed as Avalere's new Chief Public Health Officer. Housman brings a wealth of expertise to her role, where she will focus on tightening the relationships between brand strategies and public health, a crucial connection given recent legislative shifts affecting patient engagement. Housman has been an invaluable part of Avalere’s evidence and strategy team, and will now hold dual responsibilities as both CPHO and Senior Vice President.
Her career spans key positions in private diagnostic firms like Exact Sciences and Novartis, allowing her to hone her skills in public health management. Housman's work as a reviewer for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and her involvement in various public health organizations illustrates her commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
The Road Ahead
The leadership transitions in Avalere Health underscore the company's dedication to tackling the pressing challenges within the healthcare industry. Amar Urhekar, CEO of Avalere, expressed confidence in both Kazan and Housman, stating that their leadership will guide clients through the evolving landscape and help uncover new opportunities to connect with patients effectively. Their combined efforts promise to fortify Avalere's position as a strategic partner ready to tackle the complexities of modern healthcare.
In conclusion, these appointments not only signify Avalere Health’s proactive response to ongoing changes in healthcare policy but also exemplify a commitment to improving patient outcomes across the board. With Kazan's and Housman's expertise at the helm, Avalere Health is eagerly positioned to face both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring every patient receives the care and support they deserve. For more information about Avalere Health, visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.