The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ann Lynch, as its director of governmental affairs effective June 5, 2012. As leader of the division, Lynch’s responsibilities will include overseeing the strategy and execution of ADHA’s advocacy efforts on the federal level in Washington, D.C. and directing the governmental affairs staff in their support and counsel to ADHA’s state organizations in all their advocacy initiatives.
Lynch brings to the position extensive experience in legislation and public policy, having served from 2007-2011 as the Senator representing Rochester and surrounding communities. During her time in the Senate, she served on several committees including the Health, Housing and Family Security Committee and as Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Service Budget Division. In addition, Lynch brings a depth of knowledge of oral health issues, as well as solid relationships with many of the safety-net and foundation partners that have committed time and resources to trying to solve the access to oral health care crisis in the U.S.
“Ann is a welcome addition to ADHA’s senior staff team,” said Ann Battrell, MSDH Executive Director of ADHA. “Ann’s experience and background in government as well as oral health issues will serve ADHA well.”
”I look forward to continuing to work on public policy oral health initiatives,” said Ann Lynch. “I am pleased to join the ADHA team.”
Prior to her service in the Minnesota State Senate, Lynch was a director on the Rochester Minnesota School Board where her duties gave her extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, resource alignment and, accountability. She also has operations experience in the private sector. Lynch received her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and management from Hamline University in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
About ADHA: ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of more than 150,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene, or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at www.adha.org.
