NCHA Names John Thompson as Vice President of State Government Affairs

Cary, NC – April 12, 2022 – The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) has named John Thompson to the position of Vice President of State Government Affairs. Thompson will be responsible for leading the association’s advocacy efforts with the state legislature, also working closely with staff and members to develop policy and legislation. He will report to Steve Lawler, chief executive officer.   

“John brings the right combination of skills and experience to help NCHA do effective advocacy to support our more than 130 member health systems and hospitals,” said Lawler. “He understands the challenges facing healthcare organizations and has a proven track record of effective advocacy, having served in government relations and consulting roles to organizations such as American Cancer Society, Community Care of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Medical Society.” 

Thompson comes to NCHA from The Paratum Group, a public policy consulting firm that serves government and private sector clients in the areas of healthcare, education, safety, and procurement. Before that, he held chief of staff and senior vice president, Government Relations roles at Community Care of North Carolina. Thompson also previously served on the legislative office staff for Nelson Dollar, a former Republican member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the state’s 36^th House district which includes the towns of Apex, Cary and Swift Creek in Wake County.  

Thompson is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg in Fayetteville. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He also holds a master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Pfeiffer University.

About NCHA 

Founded in 1918, North Carolina Healthcare Association is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 130 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support and education to expand access to high quality, efficient, affordable and integrated health care for all North Carolinians.