BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--West Virginia Lobbyist Group (WVLG), long-time government relations and consulting firm, and Village Caregiving (VCG), one of the largest privately-owned home care agencies in the U.S., today announced that Jeremiah Samples, former Deputy Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources (DHHR) and health care policy expert, has been appointed as Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy.
In this newly established role, Samples will lead the development of public policy positions and communications goals with key stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels for both organizations. He will work to improve health care outcomes and expand access to care, especially in home and community-based settings. He will work hand-in-hand with WVLG and VCG co-founder, Matt Walker.
“Jeremiah adds a strategic policy focus to West Virginia Lobbyist Group and Village Caregiving as we collaborate with local, state, and federal officials. He brings unique talents and experience after several decades of health care policy work with the West Virginia Legislature, Offices of Insurance Commissioner, and Department of Health and Human Resources & Medicaid,” said Walker. “I have known Jeremiah for two decades, and I have seen his dedication to helping the most vulnerable, including children and seniors. He is bringing that same passion to our team.”
"It has been an honor serving West Virginia and our elected leaders in the Legislature,” said Samples. “I want to express my deepest appreciation for the leadership and vision of Senate President Craig Blair, House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw, and the 132 other members of the Legislature. I remain as committed as ever to improving the lives of all West Virginians and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. This opportunity enables me to continue to work with the best providers and organizations in West Virginia in service of these goals."
Prior to joining WVLG and VCG, Samples was the Senior Advisor for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance with the West Virginia Legislature. He also spent 16 years in the Executive Branch, where he worked in the Governor's Office; at the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner as Director of Health Policy; as well as serving eight years as DHHR Deputy Secretary.
Born and raised in the Mountain State, Samples lives with his wife and four children in Charleston, West Virginia.
About West Virginia Lobbyist Group
West Virginia Lobbyist Group (WVLG) was founded in 2007 by Matt Walker & Jeff Stevens, and has become one of the most impactful government relations firms in West Virginia, specializing in health care issues. Specifically, WVLG led advocacy efforts around pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, advocated for several first-in-the-nation protections for the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and currently handles primary care and Medicaid-related policy advocacy for several organizations. WVLG is dedicated to promoting West Virginia’s primary care network and infrastructure, while assuring quality access for rural and vulnerable West Virginians. For more information, visit www.walkerandstevens.com.
About Village Caregiving
Village Caregiving (VCG) is one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned home care agencies in the U.S. Based in Barboursville, WV, the company was founded in 2013 by three friends, Andrew Maass, Jeff Stevens, and Matt Walker, who each had a family member who needed home care services. The three friends bonded over their shared experiences and realized the important need for affordable, family-centered home care. With more than 65 offices in 22 states, 3,300 caregivers, and 6,000 clients nationwide, Village Caregiving offers non-medical home care services, including assistance with activities of daily living, compassionate care such as light house work, meal prep, grooming and hygiene, as well as transportation to appointments and errands. For more information, visit www.villagecaregiving.com.
