Our Team

Mary Kay Clunies-Ross

Executive Director

Mary Kay Clunies-Ross has been working to inform and engage the public for more than 20 years-- a mission she continues as Executive Director of the Chronic Disease Coalition.

Prior to being the CDC's executive director and a communication consultant, Mary Kay served as the Vice President for Membership and Communications at the Washington State Hospital Association. In that role, she was the chief media spokesperson and communication strategist, crafting non-partisan messages on complex health care and political issues. She also advised WSHA members on message, worked in coalitions, and was responsible for member education and engagement.

Prior to WSHA, Mary Kay daily managed local and national media as the spokesperson for the City of Berkeley (Calif.) and was the Public Information Officer for more than a dozen City departments. She also served on the communication team of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.

Mary Kay has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Seattle University and Master’s in Journalism from Northwestern in Chicago.

Contact Mary at marykay@chronicdiseasecoalition.org

Nathaniel Brown

Director of Advocacy

Nathaniel joined the Chronic Disease Coalition in 2021, bringing several years’ experience in government relations, communications, and policy analysis to the role. As the CDC’s Director of Advocacy, Nathaniel manages the organization’s engagement in statehouses across the country, connecting advocates with legislators and ensuring that the CDC makes meaningful progress in achieving our legislative goals.

Prior to joining the CDC, Nathaniel held public affairs roles at the University of Oregon, Portland Business Alliance, and Oregon Business & Industry. He is well-versed in local, state, and federal politics and has direct experience advocating on health care issues before state legislatures. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Oregon.

Contact Nathaniel at nathaniel@chronicdiseasecoalition.org

Lauren Garetto

Director of Communications

Lauren joined the Chronic Disease Coalition in 2020 to act as the organization’s director of communications. Lauren has years of media relations experience, working for both global and local organizations. With her experience, she oversees the CDC’s earned and social media efforts.

Lauren is passionate about storytelling and is proud to share the amazing work of the Chronic Disease Coalition and its members.

Contact Lauren at lauren@chronicdiseasecoalition.org