Office of Government Relations, Business Development & Community Engagement
Creating Meaningful Change Through Policy, Partnerships, and People
At Meharry Medical College, our Office of Government Relations, Business Development & Community Engagement strives to bridge the gap between policymakers, industry leaders, and communities, driving impactful change through collaboration and action.
We believe that transformative change occurs at the crossroads of policy, business and community engagement. Our office stands as the dynamic hub of influence at Meharry, dedicated to advancing health equity and opportunity.
What We Do
- Government Relations – We advocate for Meharry at the federal, state, and local levels, shaping policies that impact medical education, healthcare access and health equity. From Capitol Hill to the Tennessee General Assembly, we build relationships that amplify Meharry’s voice in the public square.
- Business Development – We forge partnerships with industry, investors and civic organizations to bring innovation and resources into Meharry’s ecosystem. These collaborations fuel research, entrepreneurship and the clinical enterprise.
- Community Engagement – We connect with neighborhoods, nonprofits and advocacy groups to deliver programs that meet real needs and uplift underserved populations. Each year, Meharrians contribute thousands of service hours across the state.
- External Affairs & Strategy – We integrate communications, outreach and operations to ensure that Meharry remains a national leader in health equity, medical education and community impact.
Government Relations
Shaping Policy. Advancing Strategy. Driving Impact.
Our Government & External Affairs function connects Meharry Medical College to the systems, stakeholders and strategies that shape health care and education at every level. From Capitol Hill to the State Capitol to our local communities, we ensure Meharry’s voice is heard—and its mission is advanced with clarity and purpose.
Policy & Advocacy Across All Levels
We actively engage federal, state and local government leaders to advance policies that strengthen medical education, expand health care access and improve health outcomes.
Federal Engagement
We advocate in Washington, D.C. to influence national policy, secure research funding and support programs that strengthen the health care workforce and advance health equity.
State & Regional Engagement
We work closely with state legislators, agencies, and regional coalitions to ensure Tennessee policies and investments support graduate medical education, uncompensated care and institutional sustainability.
Local Government & Community Alignment
We partner with city leadership and local stakeholders to address community health needs, support economic development and ensure Meharry remains a vital anchor institution in Nashville and beyond.
Strategic Alignment & Execution
We integrate communications, operations and outreach to ensure Meharry’s external engagement is coordinated, effective and forward-looking. This includes:
Aligning institutional priorities across government, business, and community efforts
Developing policies and frameworks that guide engagement across all levels
Providing operational and administrative support for key initiatives
Stakeholder Engagement
We serve as a central connector between Meharry and its external partners—ensuring consistent, strategic engagement with:
Federal, state and local government officials and agencies
Corporate, philanthropic and industry partners
Community organizations and advocacy groups
Our Approach
We don’t just respond to change –we help shape it. By aligning policy, people, and partnerships across federal, state and local systems, we position Meharry as a national leader in health equity, innovation and community impact.
Business Development
Building Partnerships for Innovation & Growth
Healthcare transformation requires collaboration. We work with corporations, industry partners and civic organizations to:
- Develop academic, research and clinical partnerships that bring resources and expertise into our ecosystem.
- Strengthen the College’s enterprise, fueling growth and sustainability.
By aligning with business leaders we create opportunities that extend Meharry’s impact beyond campus walls –driving both social progress and economic development.
Community Engagement
Connecting with Communities. Creating Access. Driving Impact.
Meharry Medical College’s commitment to service extends beyond programs –it is rooted in meaningful, sustained relationships with the communities we serve. Through Community Engagement, we connect people, organizations and ideas to advance health, opportunity and equity across Nashville and beyond.
Each year, Meharry students, faculty and staff contribute thousands of hours in service, working alongside community partners to deliver programs that meet real needs and create lasting impact.
Community Partnerships & Outreach
We collaborate with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, advocacy groups and civic leaders to strengthen communities through:
- Health education and wellness initiatives
- Community-based programming and events
- Strategic partnerships that expand access to care and resources
- Campus Access & Engagement
As part of our commitment to openness and connection, our office serves as the central hub for coordinating campus engagement for external partners and visitors.
We lead and manage campus tours for non-academic external guests, including:
- Community organizations
- Corporate and philanthropic partners
- Government and civic leaders
- Visiting delegations and stakeholders
These experiences provide a curated introduction to Meharry’s mission, impact and future vision –creating meaningful opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Note: All academic and admissions-related tours for prospective students are coordinated through the Office of Admissions to ensure a tailored student experience.
Student & Institutional Engagement
We support and amplify service across the institution by:
- Partnering with student organizations to expand community impact
- Coordinating outreach efforts across departments
- Ensuring alignment between community needs and institutional priorities
Our Approach
We don’t just engage communities –we build lasting relationships. By serving as both a connector and convener, we ensure Meharry remains a trusted partner, a responsive neighbor, and a catalyst for healthier, stronger communities.
Resources & Tools
Stay Informed. Stay Connected.
We offer essential tools and links to keep our community, partners and stakeholders engaged:
- Tennessee General Assembly & Governor’s Office
- Nashville Mayor’s Office & Chamber of Commerce
- NAACP & civil rights partners
- White House, U.S. Congress, Supreme Court
- Meharry Government Relations & Engagement Policy