American Society of Anesthesiologists Names Manuel E. Bonilla as Chief Advocacy Officer

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the appointment of Manuel E. Bonilla, M.S. as ASA’s new chief advocacy officer, centered in the Washington, D.C. office. Since joining the Society in 1997 as a federal affairs coordinator, Manuel has served in various roles, most recently as the Society’s director of congressional and political affairs since 2006.

“In his new role, I am confident Manuel will continue to effectively advance ASA’s advocacy initiatives and policy agenda in both the public and private sectors,” said ASA’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Pomerantz. “In his more than 16 years supporting ASA’s federal and state legislative and regulatory activities, Manuel has demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership in building relationships with key members of the House and Senate.”

As chief advocacy officer, Manuel will develop and implement effective strategies that will maintain the Society’s credibility and raise the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology.

“ASA membership is pleased Manuel will oversee all of ASA's advocacy efforts related to addressing Medicare payment, pain medicine policy, practice parameters for non-physician providers, and a host of other health care policy matters critical to our specialty,” said ASA President Dr. John M. Zerwas.

“I am honored to have been selected to provide the vital leadership and vision to help strengthen ASA as the voice of American anesthesiologists,” said Mr. Bonilla. “Our work is essential to educating legislators and policymakers on the importance of ensuring the highest quality patient care and safety with physician-led care.”
 
Mr. Bonilla received an M.S. specializing in health care management from Marymount University in Arlington, Va. and a B.A. in Politics from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va.