Darren possesses a wealth of experience in governmental affairs and lobbying within the dynamic healthcare industry. He has extensive experience solving complex issues, such as working with legislators, media, public relations personnel, executive
administration officials, trade associations and others to resolve significant payor-provider network contract terminations. His proficiency has been instrumental in forging valuable relationships with state and federal legislators around the country. Recognized for his blend of business acumen and legal prowess, Darren has played a pivotal role as a trusted business partner and advisor to both the Boards of Directors and Executive Leadership Teams.

Prior to DLA Piper Darren served as SVP & Chief Government Affairs Officer at South Florida’s largest publicly traded healthcare company, where he established a federal and state Government Affairs department responsible for bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenues for the company over a decade.. His strategic, proactive lobbying efforts have secured state and federal appropriations, budget increases, and other legislative wins for clients. Darren has also been instrumental in shaping federal policies and landmark legislations such as the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the CARES Act, and the No Surprises Act. In state capitals across the country, Darren has driven Medicaid revenue growth via the legislative process, shaped healthcare provider and payor legislation, and built crucial relationships with legislators and policymakers. Darren has also proven to be a formidable force in preventing legislative proposals that would have been detrimental to the business interests of his clients and affected citizenry. Darren is a frequent public speaker on state and federal healthcare laws and the importance of advocacy.

CREDENTIALS
Education
J.D., University of Miami School of Law cum laude
Articles and Comments Editor,
University of Miami Law Review
B.A., Pennsylvania State University
Admissions
Florida
EXPERIENCE

• Successfully advocated for Medicaid increases for multiple physician specialties in more than twenty states.
• Led a coalition of physicians and provider groups to create meaningful changes to federal No Surprises Act law and regulations.
• Shaped the Affordable Care Act law and regulations to expand the definition of “primary care” to include subspecialists; this benefitted thousands of physicians around the country and expanded access to care for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable patients.
• Launched a multimillion-dollar federal and state political action committee for a national corporation and directed fundraising and PAC distributions around the country.
  PUBLICATIONS
• Global antitrust enforcers place private equity healthcare deals in the spotlight, 25 April 2024
• Federal agencies seek information on private equity involvement in healthcare, 27 March 2024
• US government targets healthcare private equity: Top points for risk management, 02 January 2024
  PRESENTATIONS AND SEMINARS
• Navigating restrictions: State and federal scrutiny of private equity investment and corporatization of healthcare, 04 June 2024
  PRIOR EXPERIENCE
  Prior to joining DLA Piper, Darren worked in various legal and executive roles for South Florida’s largest healthcare company, a publicly traded national medical group. He ended his career at the national medical group as Senior Vice President and Chief Government Affairs Officer. He started his legal career as an attorney in the healthcare department with an AmLaw 100 international law firm.
  PRO BONO
• Board of Directors, Archbold Hospital Foundation, Thomasville, Georgia
• Board of Directors, Treehouse Childrens Advocacy Center of Thomas County