Vice President, Health Systems and Strategic Partnerships
Elaine Dalpiaz is Vice President for Health Systems and Strategic Partnerships at First Focus on Children. Elaine has more than twenty-five years of advocacy and policy experience, having worked on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, and for local and national non-profit organizations. Elaine has been a champion for women, children, and families throughout her career.
Prior to joining First Focus, Elaine worked at AARP where she supported state offices in advocating before Congress on national campaigns to prevent the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and to lower prescription drug prices. She led an initiative to support AARP state offices in advocating for long-term care legislation and crafted federal and state strategic plans for long-term care and Medicaid expansion. Elaine also directed a “kitchen cabinet” of select AARP state office directors in determining state and national advocacy priorities.
On Capitol Hill, Elaine worked for Senator John Glenn (D-OH) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) in their personal offices to support federal programs serving women, children, and families. Elaine participated in the development of the Stewart McKinney Homeless Act, the first comprehensive piece of legislation to address various aspects of homelessness. As a professional staff member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging for Senator John Breaux (D-LA), Elaine directed hearings and legislative activity on long-term services and supports, the Older Americans Act, Medicaid, and prescription drugs. She was also successful in crafting two earmark proposals for aging-related projects through the appropriations process.
Her executive branch experience includes time as a program officer for the Administration for Children and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services, serving as the Deputy Director of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, and as the Director of Communications for the National Senior Service Corps, part of the Corporation for National Service.
A highlight of her career was overseeing the development of Kidspace, the first daycare center in Washington, DC for homeless children and families, sponsored by The House of Ruth.
Elaine received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Walsh College in North Canton, Ohio and her Master’s Degree in Comparative Social Policy from the London School of Economics in London, England. Elaine is originally from Ohio and resides in Arlington, VA with her husband and two sons.
