Cain to represent VUMC in Washington, D.C.
Kevin Cain has been named director of Federal Relations, Health and Biomedical Sciences, and will serve as Vanderbilt University Medical Center's representative in Washington, D.C.
Cain, who begins Dec. 6, will be responsible for furthering Vanderbilt's federal advocacy priorities and objectives with respect to academic medicine, health policy, biomedical research and advanced practice nursing.
Kevin Cain
“Within the current climate in Washington it is vital for Vanderbilt to have strong representation as we interact with our legislators and policymakers,” said Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.
“We need look no further than changes wrought by federal health care reform as an example of this importance. Kevin's prior experience and his passion for health care issues will make him a great voice for VUMC.”
Through strong professional relationships with policymakers and by helping engage key campus officials in public policy decisions, Cain will work with assistant vice chancellor for Federal Relations Christina West to positively affect Vanderbilt's national reputation and influence.
“Under Christina's continued strong leadership and with Kevin's background and expertise, we are well positioned to further advance Vanderbilt's federal priorities and to raise our visibility and cultivate important relationships with key policymakers,” said Beth Fortune, vice chancellor for Public Affairs.
Cain was formerly assistant vice president of Government Affairs and Programs for the National Health Council. He has also worked as manager of Federal Government Affairs for the American Diabetes Association and for then-Congressmen Max Burns and Johnny Isakson.
“I am very excited and honored to represent a university and medical center with the reputation and tradition of excellence that Vanderbilt is known for,” Cain said.
“On a personal level, my family has a history of both diabetes and Alzheimer's, and as a top research and medical center, Vanderbilt will play a critical role in changing health outcomes for these types of diseases and disabilities, as well as many others.
“Professionally, I will be able to work with a new Congress, the administration and regulatory agencies, as well as the research community, on the issues that I love.”
A graduate of Georgia State University, Cain has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations.
Cain succeeds Mel Bass, J.D., who became legislative director for U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) in July.