Washington, D.C. – Waxman Strategies is pleased to announce the addition of three distinguished professionals, Jen Schultz, Vaishu Jawahar and Jackson Thein to the Health Practice team.  

Jen Schultz, Senior Director 

Jen Schultz joins Waxman Strategies as a Senior Director, bringing a wealth of health policy knowledge and government leadership. Formerly a key figure in the Minnesota state legislature from 2015 to 2023, Jen is known for her collaborative approach to advancing equity-centered health, housing, and environmental policies. She also holds a professorship at the University of Minnesota, where she focuses on health care finance reform through a lens of equity and innovation. Her consulting work for national clients prior to joining Waxman, including US of Care, demonstrates her commitment to state and federal health cost policy.  

“Jen’s deep expertise, combined with her experience as a policymaker and economist, adds a critical perspective to our team as our clients face pressing health policy issues,” said Claire McAndrew, Senior Vice President in the Health Practice.  

Vaishu Jawahar, Director 

Vaishu Jawahar is a valuable addition to our team as a Director in the Health Practice. With experience in the executive and legislative branches, as well as advocacy, Vaishu’s most recent role was as Domestic Policy Coordinator in the Office of Vice President Harris. Her contributions include work on implementing the White House Maternal Health Blueprint and the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Vaishu’s commitment to health care advocacy is evident from her work with the Committee to Protect Health Care, the Biden Campaign, and other impactful organizations.  

Jackson Thein, Director 

Jackson Thein assumes the role of a Director in the Health Practice, having previously served as a policy advisor to Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon. In this capacity, he led legislative efforts encompassing health care, education, nutrition, and LGBTQ+ policy. Notably, Jackson led initiatives establishing the CDC’s Office of Rural Health and played a vital role in bipartisan legislation addressing Medicare Advantage risk adjustment and prescription drug pricing transparency.  

“We are thrilled that the dedication Vaishu and Jackson have to mission-driven work, as demonstrated by their time in the Administration and Congress, has led them to Waxman Strategies.” says Jeremy Sharp, Managing Director in the Health Practice. 

Please join us in welcoming Jen, Vaishu and Jackson to the Waxman Strategies team. Their diverse expertise and commitment to positive change will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing efforts to shape health care policy and advocate for impactful reforms.