In my role as a health policy consultant, I work collaboratively with leaders and teams across Kaiser Permanente to study policy trends and developments, and identify opportunities for analysis, research, and advocacy. It’s exciting to translate Kaiser Permanente’s knowledge and experience into meaningful information for policymaker and policy informers.
Policy expertise
Healthy food access, water safety/access, food and beverage marketing, federal school nutrition standards, sugary drink taxes and warning labels, physical activity standards.
Health care trends I’m watching
I am watching trends in mental health and wellness, inclusive of workforce development and telehealth opportunities. I am also following large health care systems that are investing in communities as a result of taking a holistic approach to addressing social factors that directly impact health. Since one’s health is heavily influenced by socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors, it makes sense to address areas that fall outside the clinical setting.
Professional accomplishments
I bring over a decade of experience in the non-profit, legal, and private sectors. Prior to Kaiser Permanente, I led a policy initiative focused on passing childhood obesity prevention policies at the state and local level in collaboration with over 40 national public health partners.
I’ve assisted with conducting and presenting research on food and beverage marketing to children: 2014 Sugary Drinks F.A.C.T.S. Report and a Report Detailing Food and Beverage Marketing to Communities of Color. I’ve testified before the New York State Assembly on sugary drink warning labels and submitted public comments on a variety of public health topics, including school wellness policies and federal nutrition guidelines. I currently serve as an advisor to the Healthy Food Policy Project, a collaboration between UConn Rudd Center and Vermont Law School to identify and elevate local laws that promote access to health food in an equitable manner within communities.
Interests and experience
Throughout my career, I have served in variety of policy roles for health-promoting organizations, research institutions, and companies. Through these experiences, I’ve honed my skills in policy research and analysis, partnership cultivation, grant management, legislative drafting, and public advocacy.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking healthy meals, running, and painting. A proud native of Pittsburgh, Renee resides in Berkeley after stints in Chicago, New Haven, and Seattle.
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), DePaul University College of Law
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
