Karen Conwell Smith

Ms. Smith represents the Federation to Members of Congress and their professional staff, and to members of the Bush Administration, on a wide range of issues of interest to investor- owned hospitals. Prior to joining the Federation, she served as Senior Health Policy Advisor to the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, staffing Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), the Committee’s Ranking Member. Previously, Ms. Smith worked as Senior Director, Government Relations with the National Retail Federation; Assistant Director, Division of Congressional Affairs with the American Medical Association; Legislative Specialist with the American Society of Clinical Oncology; Senior Legislative Assistant with former Rep. Sue Kelly (R-NY); Legislative Assistant with former Rep. William Martini (R-NJ), and Legislative Correspondent with former Rep. Herbert Bateman (R-VA). Ms. Smith began her Capitol Hill career as an intern with Senator John Warner (R-VA). She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.