AUA hires government relations and advocacy manager

John Wertman has been appointed government relations and advocacy manager, states and sections, for AUA’s expanded government relations program.

The new position bears primary responsibility for the conceptualization, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of section and state government relations, advocacy, and legislative activity for AUA. This position will work closely with the American Association of Clinical Urologists to ensure urology’s interests are represented at the state level, AUA said in a statement.

Wertman brings more than 10 years of government relations experience, including work with member associations and medical organizations, to the new position. He has served as the government relations specialist for the University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville; the director of public policy for the American Association of Geographers; and the associate director for public affairs for the Consortium of Social Science Associations. His government relations experience extends to the White House, where he served as special assistant to the director of presidential letters and messages.

"John Wertman’s expertise in public affairs will be an asset as we move forward with our expansion of government relations efforts," said AUA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy Priscilla Chatman. "Our nation is at a critical juncture-health policy reform is a major priority for the new administration and for many individual states. We want to ensure that urology’s voice is heard throughout this revived debate."