David J. Pugach is AOA’s senior vice-president of public policy, leading advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. for the membership organization. AOA represents the interests of the nation’s more than 129,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students.
Pugach was previously vice president, federal relations, for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, where he also served as executive director of One Voice Against Cancer, a coalition of 50 patient and professional organizations.
“Our members need their patient-centered perspectives heard by policy makers,” said Adrienne White-Faines, American Osteopathic Association CEO. “David Pugach is a mission-driven leader with deep experience connecting the health care community to Capitol Hill. His expertise in government relations will deliver extraordinary value for the osteopathic medical profession, as well as our nation’s healthcare system.”
Pugach joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in 2008, where he most recently managed federal legislative activities. During his tenure there, he worked with leadership to develop appropriations goals and execute advocacy strategy, and earlier served as principal lobbyist on appropriations, budget and medical research issues.
Before joining American Cancer Society, Pugach was deputy director of the Office of Government and Congressional Relations at the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and was detailed to the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations.
A graduate of George Washington University, Pugach received a juris doctorate from Rutgers University School of Law and is a member of the Maryland state bar.