IAHCSMM Hires Government Affairs Director to Advance Legislative Efforts

The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) announces that it has appointed Josephine Colacci, BA, JD, to serve as its government affairs director. The position was created to better assist IAHCSMM and its members in mandatory certification efforts, and to advance the Associations visibility with state legislators and other elected officials.

"IAHCSMM is growing both as an association and in its desire to provide even greater support to its members," says IAHCSMM president Lisa Huber. "The formation of a government affairs department will aid in the quest for state-mandated certification of central sterile supply department technicians and is something our membership has wanted for some time. IAHCSMM is especially thrilled to have someone with Jos experience join our association and fill this vital role."

Prior to joining IAHCSMM, Colacci served as government affairs manager for the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), a role she held since November 2008. Before that, she spent four years lobbying in the Colorado General Assembly on healthcare policy-related issues. Colacci also served as executive director and lobbyist for Quality Healthcare Coalition where she identified and recruited members, developed marketing material, managed the associations budget, and represented the association as a lobbyist in the Colorado General Assembly. Since 2005, she has also volunteered for Colorado Legal Services, providing weekly updates during Colorados legislative session on issues such as consumer, family, health and elder, housing, and public benefits.

In her new role with IAHCSMM, Colacci will work closely with members and the IAHCSMM executive board to develop a government affairs structure that best meets the needs of the membership and the collective Association.

"I prefer a team-based approach. We will be much more effective in developing a structure and formulating an appropriate plan that will help us pass certification at the state level if we work together," Colacci says. "This is a great opportunity for IAHCSMM to elevate its visibility with elected officials. I am very excited to be working with IAHCSMM in this role and look forward to getting started."