Genetic Alliance Honors Frank Swain
Genetic Alliance Honors Frank Swain
WASHINGTON – B&D Consulting Senior Vice President Frank Swain was honored recently by the Genetic Alliance for his pro bono service that has helped advance a landmark piece of genetic fairness legislation.
Swain, a Washington veteran who previously served as Chief Counsel of Advocacy for the U.S. Small Business Administration, has provided significant guidance and counsel to advance the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which would ensure that individuals with genetic conditions are not discriminated against in the workplace or in seeking insurance coverage.
"I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Genetic Alliance, an organization that over the past 20 years has done more than anyone to raise awareness of issues of importance to those individuals living with genetic conditions,'' Swain said.
Earlier this year, Swain provided key testimony on the bill before the powerful House of Representative's Energy & Commerce Committee. The bill subsequently passed the full House by a vote of 420 to 3. A final vote on the bill is pending in the Senate.
"Frank's lengthy career in employment law and advocacy on behalf of small business interests was critical in helping allay any concerns about the impact this bill would have on the small business community," Genetic Alliance President and CEO Sharon Terry said. "For Frank's efforts, the Genetic Alliance and all of our families are eternally grateful.''
Swain was one of two individuals honored on July 25 to kick off the Genetic Alliance's five days of advocacy, education and celebration in Washington, including the alliance's second annual Genetics Day on the Hill. The other honoree was Kathy Hudson, Ph.D., who is founder and director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center and associate professor in genetic medicine at Johns Hopkins University.
In his counseling and law practices, Swain also advises and represents clients in federal government relations, insurance and financial services, and nonprofit matters. Swain, who joined B&D Consulting in 1990, earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A. from Colgate University.
Genetic Alliance is a coalition of more than 600 advocacy organizations serving 25 million people affected by 1,000 conditions. The organization works to transform leadership in the genetics community to build capacity in advocacy organizations and educate policymakers by leveraging the voices of individuals and families. Genetic Alliance increases the capacity of genetic advocacy organizations to achieve their missions and leverages the voices of millions of individuals and families living with genetic conditions.
B&D Consulting is a Washington, D.C.-based national advisory and advocacy firm founded in 1985. B&D professionals deliver interdisciplinary consulting services to growth sectors in the economy, including the health and life sciences sectors. B&D Consulting is an affiliate of the law firm of Baker & Daniels LLP.