Jen Walsh headshot.

Jennifer F. Walsh

Director, Public Affairs

Jennifer F. Walsh

Director, Public Affairs

Jennifer F. Walsh is a public affairs director with the firm and a member of the firm’s Government & Public Policy Practice. She has extensive experience in government affairs, including a lengthy career as a senior staffer in the U.S. Congress and the California Legislature, and as a vice president for Federal Government Affairs at a top 20 Fortune 500 health care company. Jennifer has effectively advanced key issues before the United States Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and the Administration.

Prior to joining Foley, Jennifer served as vice president for federal government affairs at a leading multinational health care company, where she developed and executed strategies to impact policy objectives and increase the company’s visibility among opinion leaders. Jennifer collaborated with colleagues across the health care industry, including third parties and trade associations to ensure the effective execution and success of the company’s priorities.

Jennifer served nine years as chief of staff to former Congressman Dennis Cardoza, 18th District of California. She was chief advisor and principal strategist on all legislative and political activity and served as primary liaison with the Bush and Obama Administrations, Members of Congress, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the California Democratic Delegation. She also served as finance director for the Cardoza for Congress campaign, where she developed and managed a $2 million fundraising effort.

Previously she served as a chief of staff in the California State Legislature as well as a congressional field representative, deputy campaign manager, and House Democratic Caucus program director to former Congressman Vic Fazio, 3rd Congressional District of California.

 

Awards and Recognition

  • Top Lobbyist by The Hill newspaper (2022, 2023, 2024)

Affiliations

  • Board Member, Future Forum Foundation
  • Trustee, McLean School of Maryland

Presentations and Publications

  • Guest, Healthcare IT News’ HIMSSCast Podcast (February 2024, May 2024)
  • Speaker, 49th ACCC 2023 Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit – Association of Community Cancer Centers (March 2023)
  • Quoted, “Biden Greenlights $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework,” Inc.com (June 24, 2021)
  • Speaker, 46th ACCC 2020 Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit – Association of Community Cancer Centers (March 2020)
  • Speaker, Association for Value-Based Cancer Care Conference (December 2019)
October 16, 2025 In the News

Foley Attorneys Outline H.R. 1’s Sweeping Changes to Medicaid

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Anil Shankar and public affairs director Jennifer Walsh are highlighted for their recent health care webinar in the healthcare innovation article, "H.R. 1 and Medicaid: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know About Upcoming Changes."
October 15, 2025 Events

How H.R.1 Slashed Medicaid Budgets: What This Means For You

The new federal budget law H.R.1, enacted on July 4, 2025, makes dramatic changes to Medicaid and other government healthcare programs, including significant new restrictions on eligibility for certain immigrants, new requirements applicable to states that have chosen to cover low-income adults under the Medicaid coverage expansion, and drastic changes to the financing of the Medicaid program.
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April 21, 2025 Health Care Law Today

Prescription Drugs: Executive Order Aims to Lower Prices

On April 15, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order (EO) with the aim of reducing the cost of prescription drugs.
April 11, 2025 Honors and Awards

Foley Listed as Top Lobbying Firm of 2024 by Bloomberg Government

Foley & Lardner LLP was named a Top-Performing Lobbying Firm of 2024 by Bloomberg Government.
December 5, 2024 Honors and Awards

Foley Public Affairs Directors Named to The Hill's 2024 Top Lobbyists List

Foley & Lardner LLP public affairs directors Dennis Cardoza, Jennifer Walsh, and Katie Schoettler are recognized on the Top Lobbyists 2024 list by The Hill.
The U.S. flag flies in front of the Capitol building, showing its columns and architectural details in daylight—a symbol respected by law offices and lawyers in Chicago nationwide.
November 15, 2024 Blogs

Health Policy: Expected Movements in the Lame Duck Session – November/December 2024

Congress returned to Washington this week with just five weeks left in this year’s legislative calendar.