Lisa A. Smith is senior director of government relations for The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA). Ms. Smith leads the organization's legislative advocacy efforts with Congress and the Administration and oversees the Association's membership advocacy activities. A Washington public policy analyst and lobbyist since 1991, Ms. Smith most recently served as director of health and welfare policy for Catholic Charities USA. She developed the organization's public policy agenda and served as the primary lobbyist on Medicaid and family welfare issues. She also served on the health and income security staff of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee under Senator Lloyd Bentsen. Ms. Smith holds a bachelor of science degree in economics from the University of Maryland and a master of public administration degree from The George Washington University in Washington DC.