Government Relations Leaders Deborah Brown and Erin Drinkwater Recognized in City & State’s Inaugural List of Who’s Who
Aug 08, 2023
New York, NY
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that City & State New York included two of its leaders in the publication’s inaugural list of Who’s Who in Government Relations: Deborah Brown, JD, MSW, Senior Vice President for External and Regulatory Affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals, and Erin Drinkwater, MS, Chief of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships Officer at MetroPlusHealth. The list included awardees from government, companies, organizations, trade associations, and lobbying firms who advocate for and develop public policy at the city, state, and federal level. City & State New York is a news organization dedicated to covering local politics and policy.
“I’m lucky every day to work with dedicated, creative colleagues in service of NYC Health + Hospitals’ mission, patients, and staff,” said Deborah Brown, JD, MSW, Senior Vice President for External and Regulatory Affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals. “It’s a privilege to do this job, and it’s more fun when I get to partner with facility and system leaders like Erin and all of the exceptional members of my team.”
“I am honored to be included in City & State New York’s list of Who’s Who in Government Relations,” said Erin Drinkwater, Chief of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships, MetroPlusHealth. “It’s gratifying to be recognized for our advocacy in championing high-quality, affordable healthcare for all New Yorkers, which is at the core of MetroHealthPlus’ mission. This recognition is a true reflection of the collective dedication of my colleagues working tirelessly to help create a healthier future for all. Thank you City & State for including me and highlighting the importance of our work.”
Deborah Brown has nearly two decades of experience representing, advocating for, and leading public and not-for-profit hospital systems. As the Senior Vice President for External and Regulatory Affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals, she oversees the system’s regulatory affairs, government relations and advocacy at all levels of government, community relations, and community partnerships. She has also built new initiatives for system fundraising and collaborations with the faith community. Previous roles include the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for Health in the NYC Mayor’s Office, Vice President for External Affairs at Montefiore Health System, Senior Vice President at the Greater New York Hospital Association, and Senior Legislative Counsel at the New York City Council. Brown received a JD with honors from Columbia Law School and an MSW from the Columbia University School of Social Work. She received a BA with honors from the University of Pennsylvania.
Erin Drinkwater is the Chief of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships Officer at MetroPlusHealth. In her role, she develops relationships with local and state elected officials and other external stakeholders to advance the company’s mission and goals of providing public health insurance to New York City’s underserved communities through local, state, and federal legislation. With over two decades in government and nonprofits, Drinkwater dedicates her career to public service as a strategist, activist, advocate, and change-maker. She served as the Deputy Commissioner for Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs for the NYC Human Resources Administration and Department of Homeless Services. Drinkwater has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology: Social and Political Policy and a master’s Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies from Duquesne University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy at the New School.
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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.