Meet Marcus Mitias, gladiator
If you can’t find Marcus Mitias in his office for the first half of the year, it’s probably because he’s in Austin. As program director for Government Affairs and Advocacy, Marcus advocates for Texas Health’s interests with the Texas Legislature, which meets from early January through late May in odd-numbered years. For 11 years, Marcus has worked with the vice president of Government and Community Affairs, Joel Ballew, to advocate for health care policy that enhances care delivery and strengthens Texas Health’s capability to fulfill our community-focused Mission.
What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose your career?
When I was young, I wanted to be a trash collector. I enjoyed the outdoors, and nothing excited me more than the idea of hanging off a huge, fast-moving truck. Fast forward to when I received my master’s degree in business administration. I served in an AmeriCorps program that worked with a homeless shelter and food rescue program serving nonprofits and communities throughout the Atlanta metro area.
During this profound experience, I became fascinated with the intersection between policy and public health. My yearning to examine this relationship brought me to the University of North Texas to pursue a master’s in public health with a concentration in health management and policy. The stars aligned after graduation when I accepted a job to work in the Government Affairs and Advocacy department at Texas Health.
What is a typical workday like when you’re in Austin?
During the 140-day regular session, which starts Jan. 8, my day starts with a quick review of health care news coverage. It is vital to absorb the flow of information on rapidly changing issues.
After reviewing the status of high priority health care-related bills, I coordinate with representatives at the Texas Hospital Association and with government relations colleagues from other health care systems statewide. Working closely with these stakeholders enables Texas Health to leverage our advocacy efforts with policymakers.
Afterwards, I walk to the Capitol Building to meet with state lawmakers and their staff to advance an issue, such as enhanced funding for the physician, nursing, allied health, and behavioral health workforce to address shortages, or to prevent something from happening, such as efforts to do away with a stable funding mechanism that compensates hospitals for providing life-saving trauma care.
Next, I attend health care committee hearings. If follow up is needed after a committee hearing, I swing by a series of offices to strengthen support for our public policy priorities. From preserving vital hospital funding sources, to providing access to care for people living in underserved areas, the Government Affairs and Advocacy department’s ability to engage policymakers on these and other federal and state public policy priorities is critical to sustaining our organization and allowing our caregivers to care for millions of North Texans.
What is the biggest challenge of your work?
Many people have come to believe that their voices do not make a difference. Consequently, part of my job is to show that employees who participate in the democratic process can play a very influential role in public policymaking. I also believe active engagement in the public policy process is more than just a job responsibility — it is a civic and ethical responsibility. I am grateful to be able to work for an organization that values the role that civic engagement and public policy play in improving the health of the people in the communities we serve.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and 3-year-old daughter. It’s good to be away from the hustle and bustle of work and school. In the evening, I read with my daughter, and Saturday mornings are dedicated to ballet and tap dance practice. Whether we are making dinner together, watching a movie, or enjoying time at the local park or zoo, I am content with sharing meaningful experiences together. When I am alone, which is extremely rare these days, I enjoy reading a good book.
What is one thing your co-workers don’t know about you?
I hate chocolate.
by Andy Wilson • Posted January 8, 2019
