NACDS retains Downey McGrath Group for government affairs efforts

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that it has retained the government affairs consulting services of Downey McGrath Group. The firm’s expertise will be a valuable complement to NACDS’ in-house Government Affairs and Public Policy Department, the association said.

Downey McGrath Group is a bipartisan government affairs consulting firm that provides strategic advice and expertise on matters of public policy. The chairman is former Democratic U.S. Representative Tom Downey and the President is former Republican U.S. Representative Ray McGrath. Both are veterans of the House Committee on Ways and Means. The firm will provide expert counsel on legislation, and key issues affecting chain pharmacy and its role in healthcare.

“This action is part of our comprehensive approach that includes federal and state government relations, grassroots, strategic communications and pharmacy affairs expertise,” said NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson.

NACDS recently integrated two departments to create the new Government Affairs and Public Policy Department, hiring Carol Kelly to serve as its senior vice president. Next month, the association stated, will see the rollout of a major advertising campaign to highlight the value of pharmacy as “the face of neighborhood healthcare.” Retaining Downey McGrath Group is an additional expansion of these overall efforts.

“Downey McGrath Group has a reputation for authority and credibility, and will be an excellent addition as we expand our work on behalf of the NACDS membership in the area of government policy,” Anderson stated.