I am truly sorry to report that Reed Franklin, ATA's former Director of Public Policy, passed away earlier this week. He died of natural causes at his home in Arlington, Virginia.Reed was an important part of ATA while on our staff from 2007 to 2009. His professionalism and quality of leadership raised the visibility of this organization within the nation's capitol. He was well known among Washington health-policy insiders and used his connections, his knowledge of the political process and expertise in government affairs to move our agenda forward. As a result, telemedicine gained significant support in Congress and among federal agencies.
In 2009 Reed decided to move over to the American Health Care Association (AHCA) where he served as the Director of Government Relations. However, he often returned to visit ATA. Demonstrating how Washington is often filled with insiders, his successor at ATA, Gary Capistrant, had also worked for AHCA earlier in his career.
More important to me, Reed was a friend. The son of a minister from rural Virginia, he stayed true to his roots, often telling about how he grew up as part of a community just like that featured on the Waltons television show. His good nature and his integrity came from these roots. A wine connoisseur, Reed served as our resident expert in such matters. His dry humor and mischevious smile added a spark to every staff gathering.
Ironically, Reed and I were planning to sneak away from our jobs this very afternoon to catch a Washington Nationals baseball game. I am glad to have known him.
