OL207 - Advocacy Ambassador Program: State Advocacy 101 - C2

Thursday, April 23, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM CST

Location: Room 221 CD

Instructional Level: Fundamental

Lead Presenter(s)

MM

Michelle Moore, BA

Manager of Government Relations
American Academy of Audiology

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

PDF Slides

Presenter(s)

TS

Tina Stern, AuD

University of Miami Health System

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
JZ

Joanne Zurcher, MPP (she/her/hers)

Vice President of Government Relations and Policy
American Academy of Audiology

Disclosure(s): Financial - American Academy of Audiology: Employment (Terminated); Nonfinancial - No nonfinancial relationships to disclose
Adam Mehlenbacher, AuD

Audiologist, Consulting Associate
Durham VAHCS/ Duke University
Duke University
WAKE FOREST, North Carolina

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Abstract: Join us for the second class of AAA’s Ambassador Program! Attend all four classes to graduate and become an official AAA Advocacy Ambassador. Navigating state-level policy and regulatory issues can feel complex, but understanding them is essential for advancing the profession. This session will provide audiology leaders with an overview of the current state policy landscape and equip them with foundational tools to engage effectively in advocacy efforts. Participants will gain insight into key legislative and regulatory trends affecting audiology across the country, learn how to communicate with policymakers and coalition partners, and explore how to leverage the Academy’s State Policy Advocate Network to strengthen efforts at the state level. Designed as a springboard into the State Policy Advocate Network Meeting, this session will empower attendees to take an active, informed role in shaping policy that supports audiology and the patients they serve.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to identify key state-level policy trends and legislative issues currently impacting the audiology profession across the U.S.
Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to describe effective advocacy strategies and communication approaches to engage with state legislators, coalitions, and regulatory boards.
Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to apply foundational advocacy tools and resources from the Academy’s State Policy Advocate Network to advance audiology priorities in their home states.