Civitas is pleased to announce the members of the 2026 Government Relations & Advocacy Committee (GRAC)—a group of experienced leaders representing a diverse cross-section of our membership and bringing deep expertise in federal and state health policy, advocacy, and implementation.
The GRAC plays a critical role in helping Civitas advance a coordinated, member-informed policy and advocacy agenda. In 2026, the committee will continue to support Civitas’ work across key focus areas including interoperability, quality improvement, public health data modernization, value-based care, and the sustainability of shared data infrastructure. Through ongoing collaboration with Civitas leadership and staff and Civitas’ government relations consultants (Troutman Strategies), the GRAC helps ensure that the voices of community-led, regional, and statewide organizations are reflected in national policy discussions.
This year’s committee includes both returning members and new voices, strengthening the breadth of perspectives and lived policy experience within the group. We are grateful to all GRAC members for their willingness to contribute time, insight, and leadership during what is shaping up to be another consequential year for health data and delivery system policy.
Meet the 2026 GRAC Members
- Alisa Kuehn, Indiana Health Information Exchange
- Chinonye Onwunli, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
- Eliel Oliveira, Connxus
- Elizabeth Cinqueonce (new), MN Community Measurement
- Jacqueline Welsch, HEALTHeLINK
- Jaime Bland, CyncHealth
- Jane Pederson, Stratis Health
- Karen Johnson, American Academy of Family Physicians
- Kyle Russell, Virginia Health Information
- Lindsey Wisham, Telligen
- Martin Ciccocioppo, PA eHealth Partnership Program (OMAP, DHS)
- Melissa Breen, Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality
- Neil Sarkar, Rhode Island Quality Institute
- Phil Beckett (new), Texas Health Services Authority
- Phil Ennen, The Ohio Health Information Partnership
- Robin Ford, New Jersey Innovation Institute
- Scott Bennett, Contexture
- Scott Perkins (new), Delaware Health Information Network
- Shaneis Morse (new), Center for Improving Value in Health Care
- Sonia Chambers, West Virginia Health Information Network
- Terri Stewart, SYNCRONYS
- Will Battles, Alliant Health Solutions
Looking Ahead
As federal and state policy conversations increasingly focus on long-term accountability, interoperability, and the role of trusted intermediaries, the GRAC will be instrumental in helping Civitas and its members navigate what comes next. The committee will continue to provide strategic input, elevate member perspectives, and support advocacy efforts that reflect real-world implementation experience.
We thank our 2026 GRAC members for their leadership and commitment, and we look forward to the collective impact this group will help drive in the year ahead.
