Government Relations
Since Moffitt’s statutory creation by the Florida Legislature in 1981, Government Relations has played a critical role in the growth and success of Moffitt Cancer Center.
Our team advocates for increased funding for research and education and supports policies to help end the burden of cancer and improve patient outcomes. Our team has spearheaded several successful advocacy campaigns including the annual Moffitt Day event at the Florida State Capitol. While our efforts are focused on sustaining the robustness of Moffitt Cancer Center, the outcome leads to a healthier Florida.
Our Team:
Jamie Wilson, DBA
Jamie Wilson, DBA, serves as Vice President of Government Relations for Moffitt Cancer Center. His responsibilities include both state and federal government relations.
A founding member of Liberty Partners of Florida, LLC, a governmental and political consulting company located in Tallahassee, Fla., Dr. Wilson spent seven years specializing in business representation before state government, as well as client issues in many Florida cities and Washington, D.C. He previously served as Vice President at Dutko Poole McKinley, a Tallahassee firm he joined shortly after the inauguration of President George W. Bush in 2001.
During the 2000 election cycle, Dr. Wilson served as the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Florida, one of the largest state party organizations in the country. He was responsible for the strategic vision and the day-to-day operations of the party.
Prior to his work with the Republican Party of Florida, he spent 11 years as a top aide to former United States Senator Connie Mack, R-Florida.
Dr. Wilson received a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of South Florida, a Master of Science from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida.
John DeMuro
John DeMuro is the Federal Legislative Affairs Director for Moffitt Cancer Center. He represents Moffitt on a range of federal policy issues that affect cancer treatment and research. This includes advocacy for increased funding for cancer research as well as policies promoting access to cancer care through private and government-sponsored health insurance programs.
John serves as Chair of the Government Relations Steering Committee of the Association of American Cancer Institutes as well as Chair of the Government Relations Work Group of the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network. He is a past Chair of the Legislative Committee of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers.
John was instrumental in the creation of Speak Out for Moffitt, a grassroots coalition of Florida citizens who support Moffitt’s cancer programs.
Ellen Navarro Anderson
Ellen Navarro Anderson is the State Legislative Affairs Director for Moffitt Cancer Center. She started her legislative career in 2005 as a health policy aide in the Florida House of Representatives then moved up to the Florida Senate, where she continued to focus on various health and human services areas affecting the State of Florida, including the policy shift from fee-for-service to Medicaid Managed Care.
Anderson was recruited in 2015 to create and implement a government relations program for Community Health Systems’ Florida hospitals, and held the position as director of Government Relations for the Florida Division for five years. Previously, she was the vice president of State Advocacy for the Florida Hospital Association for three years, spearheading hospital payment policy and lobbying for the move from volume-based to value-based payment methodologies.
Anderson has spent her advocacy career enhancing the access of health care delivery models to Floridians on behalf of hospitals throughout the state and has volunteered on various boards to elevate the advocacy discussion amongst peers and colleagues. She is an engaging public speaker and works with the Junior Leagues of Florida to educate their membership on public policy issues effecting women, children and families. Ellen also serves as the advocacy chair for Children’s Home Society of the Big Bend.
She is highly skilled in leading strategic planning initiatives and managing an advocacy agenda to deliver on successful results. She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Latin American Studies from the Florida Atlantic University.
Bobbie McKee, Ph.D.
Bobbie McKee, Ph.D., Research Advocacy and Public Policy Director has a diverse portfolio of responsibilities at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. McKee serves as the administrator for the Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council (CCRAB), established by the Florida Legislature as an advisory board responsible for creating and updating Florida’s cancer plan. CCRAB’s responsibilities include creation and approval a program for cancer control and research known as the "Florida Cancer Control and Research Plan," and an Annual Report to the Governor and the Legislature.
Dr. McKee also administers the institution’s grassroots coalition, Speak Out for Moffitt; an advocacy group of patients, survivors, family members and supporters who engage in advocacy with elected officials at all levels of government.
With her significant experience and knowledge of governmental processes, Dr. McKee serves as the Government Relations Department liaison between Moffitt’s research enterprise and state and federal agencies regarding research initiatives.
Prior to her role at Moffitt, Dr. McKee served in advocacy and public policy at the American Cancer Society from 2005 to 2015. During that time she conducted policy research and directed grassroots volunteer involvement in federal and state legislative campaigns. She also advocated for cancer research funding, access to cancer screening and treatment, tobacco control and palliative care. She also spent several years working on projects related to population health management as a Research Associate in the College of Health and Public Affairs at the University of Central Florida.
Dr. McKee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Youngstown State University, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Florida, and a Doctorate in Public Affairs from the University of Central Florida.
Government Relations