WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Progressive Medical, Inc. announced today that it has named Brian Allen, a respected lobbyist and strategic advisor, as vice president, government affairs. The appointment of Allen enables Progressive Medical to provide its clients with insight on navigating legislative and regulatory issues. Allen’s expertise also enables the company to more proactively serve as a voice for injured parties and payors in the workers’ compensation and auto no-fault industries.
“Our goal is to guide our clients in preparing for and perhaps influencing legislation and regulations that could affect their businesses,” said Tommy Young, co-chief executive officer of Progressive Medical. “In addition to leading the industry in this arena, we will leverage Brian’s expertise to proactively adapt our processes to accommodate relevant state or federal directives.”
Allen is highly regarded by policymakers nationwide for his extensive governmental knowledge and ability to drive collaboration. He has a keen understanding of how to bring different entities together, even competitors, to collaborate on influencing policy that benefits both the industry and those he represents.
“When we don’t work together, policymakers prefer the path of least resistance, usually the middle of the road, which often benefits no one,” Allen said. “When organizations present a united front, it’s easier for regulators to buy into policy that supports a common interest.”
In this role, Allen will capitalize on his deep relationships and Progressive Medical’s reputation in the industry to serve as an advocate for both injured parties and the payor community. He will also play a vital role in helping payors understand policy changes and build an effective strategy for reacting to policy changes.
“It’s a matter of educating policymakers to ensure legislation and regulations allow companies to not only remain in business but thrive,” he said. “They need to understand our role and our value in the marketplace. I know these people and have been on both sides of this industry, so I know who needs to be involved and can begin working with them.”
Prior to joining Progressive Medical, Allen was principal lobbyist at Capitol Hill Advisors. He has an extensive history in a wide spectrum of legislative and executive branch assignments, including insurance, workers’ compensation, technology, municipal and local government and public transit and housing issues. Throughout his career, he has provided strategic advice, educated policy makers, authored rules and legislation and offered expert testimony.
Allen, a certified insurance counselor, has a bachelor of science in business management from Western Governors University, an online educational institution for working adults that he helped to found. He also is active on a number of boards for causes spanning the community, the arts and education.
Source: Progressive Medical