Sharon L. Cohen is one of the most experienced and well-connected health care and biotech lobbyists in Washington, and she directs the Podesta Group’s health care practice. She came to the Podesta Group from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), where she served as the Vice President for Government Relations. Prior to her tenure at BIO, she was the chief lobbyist for the Health Insurance Association of America and Director of Congressional Relations for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. She also worked at the American Council of Life Insurers and served as the Deputy Director of Federal Relations for the American Psychiatric Association and the Director of Health Policy for the Alliance for Aging Research.