McGuireWoods Consulting Adds Dave Richard, former NC Medicaid Director, and Lobbyist Amanda Falkenbury to North Carolina Team

McGuireWoods Consulting has added Dave Richard, NC Medicaid director, who led the $20 billion Medicaid and NC Health Choice programs for North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, and Amanda Falkenbury, a leading lobbyist, to the firm’s North Carolina team.

Joining the firm as a senior vice president, Mr. Richard, who served under both Democrat and Republican governors, was the first appointed Medicaid director confirmed by the North Carolina legislature. He led Medicaid’s successful transformation from a fee for service to managed care plan. Among the numerous initiatives that Mr. Richard was responsible for included leading the Medicaid team to produce seven straight budget surpluses and creating the 1115 waiver, which included innovative programs on social determinants, integrated care and health homes.

Before serving as Medicaid director, Mr. Richard was the deputy secretary for DHHS Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Services and the State Operated Healthcare Facilities Divisions. He started at DHHS as the director of the Division of Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.

He served for over two decades as the head of The Arc of North Carolina, an advocacy and service organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Joining the firm as a vice president, Ms. Falkenbury was the founder and president of 12^th State Strategies, a lobbying firm focused on state issues in North Carolina. At 12^th State Strategies, she was responsible for lobbying, business development and client management, with clients including leading insurance companies. In addition, her lobbying work includes representations of companies in the education, real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors. Ms. Falkenbury previously served as executive director and lobbyist for the North Carolina Republican Attorneys Association.

 “With his leadership that helped transform healthcare policy in North Carolina, Dave has become a nationally recognized figure across the political aisle on how governments can improve healthcare performance and outcomes. Amanda has quickly gained recognition as an important and knowledgeable lobbyist throughout the North Carolina political world. We are glad to add both Dave and Amanda to our strong Raleigh team,” said former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges, president of McGuireWoods Consulting.

“There are few figures with the experience and success in the healthcare management world as Dave. North Carolina has greatly benefited from his years of dedicated service in reshaping the state’s Medicaid system. We expect that his deep knowledge will be an invaluable resource for our clients,” said McGuireWoods Consulting Chairman Mark Bowles.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dave and Amanda to our North Carolina team. With their impressive records of achievement and years of experience, they will strengthen our ability to offer our clients comprehensive government affairs solutions as they navigate complex and challenging issues,” said Bo Heath, MWC’s North Carolina team director.

Ms. Falkenbury received her J.D. from Campbell University School of Law and her B.A. from North Carolina State University.

Mr. Richard received a B.A. from Louisiana State University.