HDA Names New Finance and Federal Government Affairs Staff

HDA Names New Finance and Federal Government Affairs Staff

The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) announces the appointments of Maritel Dasco as vice president of finance and accounting and Peter Kelbel as director of federal government affairs.

Finance and Accounting

In her new role, Ms. Dasco will oversee HDA's financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting and accounting. She succeeds Lonna DeBardi, who is retiring after serving the association for more than 40 years.

"Maritel comes to HDA with over 15 years of progressive leadership in nonprofit and association management with a strong track record of supporting organizational priorities," said Ann Bittman, HDA's chief operating officer. "We also extend our deepest appreciation and sincere gratitude to Lonna for her more than four decades of dedicated service and many contributions to HDA."

Ms. Dasco is a certified public accountant and most recently served as chief financial officer for the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, where she oversaw financial operations. She previously held a financial leadership position at the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and worked in public accounting at Johnson Lambert LLP. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce.

Federal Government Affairs

Mr. Kelbel will advocate on behalf of HDA member companies on Capitol Hill, engaging with lawmakers and congressional staff on legislative and policy issues affecting pharmaceutical distribution. He will report to Kristen Freitas, HDA's senior vice president of federal government affairs and alliance development.

"Pete brings valuable experience in federal advocacy and a strong understanding of pharmaceutical policy," said Ms. Freitas. "His experience working with congressional offices and industry stakeholders will be an asset as we continue representing our members' interests on Capitol Hill, particularly as we prepare to welcome a new Congress in January."

Mr. Kelbel most recently served as director of federal government affairs at the Association for Accessible Medicines, where he worked on legislative issues including pharmacy benefit manager reform, generic and biosimilar access and pharmaceutical competition. He previously served as a legislative assistant at Capitol Hill Consulting Group. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Michigan State University.