Washington, DC – Van Scoyoc Associates (VSA) announced that Shawn Friesen has joined the firm as Vice President. Shawn joins VSA after a distinguished career as a Congressional staffer and a healthcare lobbyist for more than two decades.

“We are excited that Shawn is joining our team as we continue to expand our healthcare practice,” Jennifer LaTourette, President of Van Scoyoc Associates, said. “His record of accomplishments over his career is impressive, and we know our clients will benefit greatly from his advocacy and policy expertise.”

Prior to joining VSA, Shawn was the lead Republican lobbyist at another lobbying firm. Shawn also spent more than a decade as the Director of Legislative, Political and Grassroots Advocacy for the American Academy of Dermatology Association the world’s largest dermatology professional organization. In that role, he led a team in executing all aspects of the Association’s federal legislative and political strategy, working directly with Congress, executive agencies, and external stakeholders. Shawn also spent almost seven years as a senior member of the congressional affairs team for the American College of Surgeons. On the Hill, Shawn was the Legislative Director and health policy advisor to a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the VSA team to further build out the bipartisan, bicameral healthcare policy team,” Friesen said. “VSA has been one of the most well-respected firms in Washington for a long time, and I am excited to partner with the talented professionals there to provide best-in-class service to our clients.”

Originally from Arizona, Shawn received his Bachelor or Arts degree from Northwestern University. Shawn and his wife, Alison, live in Falls Church, VA, with their two daughters.