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NASHP Staff Directory

  • Leigha Basini, Program Manager

    Leigha Basini joined NASHP in August 2010 and focuses on child health coverage. Prior to joining NASHP, she worked as an attorney with the New York State Insurance Department. While at the Insurance Department, Leigha was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Healthy NY program and implementing several new health insurance coverage expansion laws. She also served as the assistant regional manager of Special Funds Conservation Committee and as the development manager of a not-for-profit health care organization, where she was also responsible for health care policy analysis. Leigha holds a BA in French from Queens University of Charlotte and a JD from Tulane University.

  • Laurie Belden, Director of Academy Relations

    Laurie Belden joined NASHP in 2001 as a member of the conference staff and shortly thereafter assumed the role of director of conferences.  In 2006, her responsibilities were expanded to also include office operations.  In her new position as director of academy relations, she is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the involvement of Academy Members and the CHPD Board.  In addition, she also oversees member recruitment and leadership development activities within the Academy.  She continues to manage convening activities of the organization, including the annual conference and all project-related meetings.  Before joining NASHP, Laurie served as education manager for the Maine Health Care Association. Laurie holds a degree in social services from the University of Maine at Augusta.

  • Jason Buxbaum, Research Assistant

    Jason Buxbaum joined NASHP in April 2009.  With NASHP, he has focused primarily on issues related to patient safety, quality improvement, and medical homes.  Prior to joining NASHP, Jason worked as an analyst with The Mellman Group, a polling and strategic research firm in Washington, DC.  He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude from Bates College in May 2008, receiving a BA in political science and sociology.  While at Bates, Jason interned at the Maine Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance and co-authored an Economy and Society article on free trade and state sovereignty.

  • Steve Cannon, Business Manager

    Steve Cannon joined NASHP in January 1998 after 10 years as a business and finance manager in academic health care at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University.  He holds a BA from Duke University.

  • Chris Cantrell, Research Assistant

    Chris Cantrell joined NASHP in June 2008. He has worked on projects ranging from children’s oral health to the emergence of retail health clinics. Prior to joining NASHP, he worked to engage citizens and policymakers in the discussion over health care reform in California. While a student, he worked with charitable organizations to address the health care needs of the homeless population in the District of Columbia. Chris holds a bachelor of science degree in economics from Clemson University.

  • Elizabeth Collins, Benefits & Payroll Specialist

    Elizabeth Collins has been NASHP’s benefits and payroll specialist since 2007.  She is responsible for overseeing the multi-state payroll and benefits structure.