Ellen Kugler, Esq., Executive Director
Ellen Kugler is NAUH's executive director, responsible for formulating the group's policy direction, developing legislative strategies, lobbying Congress and the Administration, and managing the association. A key member of the NAUH staff since its founding in 1993, she is an expert in government health care policy, especially Medicare and Medicaid - the two issues that are most important to the association and its members. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of the nuances of Medicare and Medicaid policy, Ellen is an experienced lobbyist with extensive relationships on Capitol Hill and an outstanding track record for reaching key legislators and presenting persuasive and successful arguments on behalf of the needs of urban safety-net hospitals.
Prior to entering the private sector, Ellen served on the staffs of prominent members of the health subcommittees of both the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. She has now worked as a lobbyist and health policy consultant for more than a decade. A lawyer by training, Ellen is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and previously earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and urban planning from the University of California at Berkeley.
