Michael Griffin has been named senior vice president of advocacy and public policy, effective March 28. In his new role, Griffin will help to lead the company’s forward-thinking advocacy strategy and oversee the government advocacy, community advocacy, regulatory advocacy, public policy and Adventist Health Policy Association (AHPA) teams with the goal of improving the health of the communities in which AdventHealth serves.
“As AdventHealth seeks to build its national influence as a brand, it is essential that we have a tightly aligned advocacy program that can address health equity, the social determinants of health and the increasing pressures of government regulations and consumer expectations in our industry,” said Jeff Bromme, executive vice president and chief legal officer. “Mike is a seasoned leader who has dedicated much of his life advocating for others and I know his commitment to service and our mission will serve him well in this new role.”
The new advocacy and public policy department will combine AdventHealth’s corporate advocacy and public policy department with public affairs from the organization’s Central Florida Division, as well as government relations from the West Florida Division. It will support all AdventHealth markets and align the system’s efforts in local communities, state capitols and Washington, D.C.
Additionally, Griffin and his team will support AdventHealth’s chief health equity officer, Alric Simmonds, MD, to gather and analyze data and ensure patients receive equitable care on a consistent basis. He will also work with AHPA to align the advocacy efforts of the nation’s five Adventist health systems: AdventHealth, Adventist Health, Adventist HealthCare, Kettering Health Network and Loma Linda University Health.
Griffin joined AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division in 2014 as vice president of public affairs, overseeing communications, community benefit, government relations and regulatory administration. Prior to that, Griffin was vice president of international communications strategies for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and vice president of communications for Walt Disney World, where he led public affairs and crisis communications. Griffin began his career as a journalist, working for 25 years as a reporter, editor and columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, where he led project teams specializing in politics, organized crime, social services and education.
“Each day, I’m blessed to work with a talented team of professionals who are dedicated to extending Christ’s healing ministry and advocate for the health of our communities,” said Griffin. “I’m so grateful to this organization for this opportunity to continue in His service.”
Griffin earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in political science from the University of Central Florida (UCF). He has been a consistent and active member of the Orlando community, serving on multiple boards throughout his career, including serving as chair of Ability Housing; a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation; past chair of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness; and serving as chairman for the Community Services Subcommittee for Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ transition team. He also serves on UCF’s Alumni Association board of directors as the government relations chair.
Griffin and his wife, Colby, are Orlando natives, and have been married for 35 years. They have two daughters, Rachael and Abby. In their free time, Griffin and his wife love travelling the country in their RV.