“If someone is known by the company they keep, Secretary Alex Azar is making clear his ear is closely attuned to the health industry as he pursues his vision for the Department of Health and Human Services.”
“In the first few months of his tenure, Azar has surrounded himself with industry insiders whose résumés boast combined decades of influence in the insurance, pharmaceutical and medical provider sectors. Peter Urbanowicz, the chief of staff he brought on in January, spent four years as a hospital executive. All three of the senior advisers Azar has appointed – one more adviser announcement is expected soon…”
“The secretary, who spent a decade at drug giant Eli Lilly, has touted his aides’ private-sector experience as crucial in bringing real-world perspective into an agency that sometimes can have its head in the policy clouds.”
“…Parker joins two other former industry executives forming Azar’s inner circle of advisers, who sit within earshot of the secretary’s office…” Read the full article here.
Source: The Health 202: Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is surrounding himself with industry insiders – By Paige Winfield Cunningham, April 20, 2018. The Washington Post.
