Kimberly Ross joined Michigan Medicine in 2017 as Chief Government Relations Officer. Her broad experience allows her to develop the relationships that are foundational to building successful alliances, partnerships and coalitions across the state.
Prior to this role, Kim was a lobbyist and policy advisor for Dykema Gossett, PLLC, representing a variety of clients before state legislature, state agencies, and the Governor’s office in multiple policy areas, including health care and Medicare/Medicaid. She also served as the Director of State Government Relations and Public Affairs at Pfizer, focusing on Michigan and Wisconsin.
She received her bachelor's degree in history and political science at the U-M Dearborn campus.
Why Michigan Medicine? Which attributes of this organization persuaded you to join us?
Even as an advocate with several decades of experience, working at Michigan Medicine has been the single most meaningful professional experience of my career. Michigan Medicine’s mission, as well as the incredible dedication and knowledge of our faculty, staff and students is why I find this work so rewarding. Our service to patients, students and communities, coupled with the ability to provide support to those at our organization that perform such important, life-changing work is what gives me purpose in my role.
What is your proudest moment working at Michigan Medicine?
There are many, so it’s difficult to say that one is my “proudest.” If I have to select just one, however, I would say how Michigan Medicine has and continues to serve the State of Michigan in responding to COVID-19. From the incredibly advanced planning our teams implemented early on in the pandemic, to the way colleagues across the organization came together to make key changes to accommodate the growing number of patients that needed our services during these difficult times. Our subject matter experts spent many hours both educating and supporting local, state and federal policymakers as they contemplated numerous regulatory and policy changes. At each and every turn, Michigan Medicine colleagues stepped up and did what was necessary to support the many needs created as a consequence of COVID-19.
What advice would you give others who wish to serve in a similar leadership role?
If they have a passion for service and a desire to be a lifelong student, then being a professional advocate is an excellent way to make a difference.
